Name SS Shieldhall

What is the vessel’s ability to demonstrate history in her physical fabric?

Completed in 1955 SS SHIELDHALL was built to transport sewage sludge from Glasgow to the limits of the Clyde estuary where it was discharged. She was also used by Glasgow Corporation for river inspections and official engagements. Her design and construction reflect these divergent functions, with the sludge tanks and discharge equipment surviving intact, as does the fine, large, wood-panelled saloon where civic receptions, other formal functions, and passengers were hosted and entertained. SHIELDHALL's hull and superstructure are a mix of riveted and welded construction incorporating a traditional bridge and wheel-house amidships, a straight stem, and cruiser stern. Her oil-fired boilers and triple expansion steam engines are original, with the latter of similar configuration (though smaller) to those on much earlier vessels such as RMS TITANIC. The steam-powered auxiliary machinery is also original. Overall SHIELDHALL is substantially intact from the time when she was built whilst being highly evocative of pre-Second World war steamships in style and features.

What are the vessel’s associational links for which there is no physical evidence?

SS SHIELDHALL was a notable feature on the Clyde enjoying strong links with the people of Glasgow. In addition to her official/civic functions she was regularly used to carry up to 80 passengers (many of them children, disadvantaged families, and wounded or recuperating servicemen) on day trips along the river and out into the estuary. Her associations with the Solent stem from her service between 1977 and 1985 carrying sewage sludge from Marchwood, Millbrook and Woolston to an area to the south of the Isle of Wight where her cargo would be discharged. With a gross tonnage of 1,792 tons and a length of 268.00 feet overall, SHIELDHALL is the largest operational steam vessel in Europe, undertaking a regular programme of passenger trips and participating in events along the south coast of England and ports in France and the Netherlands. The volunteer society which owns and operates her is also developing her potential as a training vessel for aspiring engineers. Her significance is reflected in her status on the National Register of Historic Vessels as one of only 200 in the National Historic Fleet of the United Kingdom. In 2009 she was accorded the accolade of being the first UK Historic Flagship of the Year.

How does the vessel’s shape or form combine and contribute to her function?

SS SHIELDHALL features a large-volume hull to accommodate the sewage tanks. Her straight stem and full bows contribute to achieving maximum capacity within the overall dimensions of the ship, whilst the cruiser stern brings an element of elegance to her workaday hull-form. The opulent saloon reflects her passenger-carrying role whilst open decks provide both working spaces and areas where passengers can congregate. The galley, crew cabins, and wash facilities installed for overnight operations are original to the build date.

Source: Martyn Heighton, Director, National Historic Ships, September 2011.