HMS Wellington Restoration Receives Major Boost with £225,000 Grant

Next time you’re on the North Bank by the Thames between Blackfriars and Waterloo bridges, take a closer look at the sleek white ship moored near Temple Stairs. That’s HMS Wellington, a one-of-a-kind piece of London’s maritime history. While it’s easy to walk past without a second thought, this ship has a story worth pausing for—and thanks to a fresh £225,000 grant, it’s about to enter an exciting new chapter.

HMS Wellington was built in 1934 and became a vital convoy escort during the Battle of the Atlantic in World War II, saving countless lives across treacherous waters. After the war, the Honourable Company of Master Mariners purchased the ship, and it has been in the care of the Wellington Trust since 2005. Though the ship has been docked along Victoria Embankment for years, opportunities to explore its decks have been rare—until now.

Since April 2023, HMS Wellington has been undergoing a significant restoration, and the new funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund will bring it one step closer to reopening to the public. The grant will support essential structural repairs, help expand educational programmes, and ensure this remarkable piece of naval history remains part of London’s heritage.

The Wellington Trust also aims to transform the ship into a multi-purpose venue, offering space for private events, workspaces, and even film shoots. This approach will not only keep HMS Wellington afloat—literally and financially—but also introduce its storied past to new audiences.

Dominic Tweddle, Chairman of the Wellington Trust, shared his excitement about the grant:
“This funding allows us to push forward with our revitalisation plans. Expanding access and offering new activities onboard will help us reach more people while preserving HMS Wellington for future generations.”

While the ship isn’t quite ready for visitors just yet, this grant is a major step towards making that happen. HMS Wellington’s restoration isn’t just about maintaining a historic vessel; it’s about keeping London’s influential maritime history alive and accessible.

If you’re keen to support the cause, the Wellington Trust is also running a fundraiser to help cover ongoing restoration costs, giving Londoners a chance to be part of the ship’s future.

More details on HMS Wellington’s restoration and its historical significance can be found at the Wellington Trust’s official website.

For more updates on London’s historic landmarks and National Lottery Funding, visit EyeOnLondon. We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

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