Name Light Vessel 50 H.Y. Tyne

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

Evidence for designs, functions, techniques, processes, styles, customs and habits or uses and associations in relation to events and people.  How early, intact or rare these features are may impact on significance.

LV 50 was constructed for Trinity House in 1879 and her hull remains largely original, including the massive wrought iron hanging and lodging knees. Her design is credited to Bernard Weymouth, secretary to Lloyds and one of the architects of the Plimsoll line and combines wrought iron technology with wood in a composite construction.  She was towed to station as required, but was the first light vessel to be fitted with a caloric engine, operating a compressed air foghorn and exhibiting a flashing lantern.  LV 50 retains her original metal mast and lantern lifting mechanism however, for her later role as a house yacht, her light fitting, topmast and deck-house were replaced and survive only in part.  In 2017, a replica lantern was reinstated. She is therefore presently considered as being ‘in ordinary’ - a Naval term where she was dressed to ensure longevity whilst out of use as a light vessel.  Her accommodation has also been modified to allow her to be used as a house yacht.  In 2016 she underwent replacement of her rotten stem. 

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

Associations with people or places.  Off-ship research.

LV 50 was built by Fletcher Son and Fearnall of Limehouse London, but has links to a number of different areas due to her varied service history which saw her stationed off the Isles of Scilly, Weymouth, the Thames, Essex and the Solent during her career.   She also saw service in both World Wars.  Her service life and build information is documented in the Warden’s minute books of Trinity House.  Since 1952, LV 50 has developed a strong association to Blyth Harbour, where she has been moored as the house yacht of the Royal Northumberland Yacht Club.  She is one of only three surviving wooden hulled light vessels and is believed to be the most original.  She was included on the National Register of Historic Vessels in 1999 and has the status of being on the National Historic Fleet.

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

Overall aesthetic impact of the vessel, her lines, material she was built from and her setting.  Does she remain in her working environment?

LV 50 is a sturdy vessel, with a double-skinned hull built of teak on oak frames with bronze fastenings and sheathed in copper with deck planking up to 4 inches thick. Wrought iron and wooden beams, a partial iron weather deck, extensive wrought iron hanging and lodging knees formed a design ready to withstand all weathers whilst on station for up to eight years at a time, in some of the most dangerous places around the coast. Her robust design is testament to the shipbuilding skills of the late nineteenth century representing a unique combination of traditional timber construction married to the benefits of extensive structural metal reinforcing.  She remains afloat and therefore is seen in her original setting, although now in the form of a house yacht, none the less much of her original structure has been carefully preserved and is visible and accessible to visitors

Source: NHS-UK & Vessel Owner, Updated December 2018