Weekly Photo Challenge: Possibility


The Duke of Lancaster is a railway steamer passenger ship that operated in Europe from 1956 to 1979, and is currently beached near Mostyn Docks, on the River Dee, north-east Wales.

The Lancaster was sold to Liverpool based company Empirewise Ltd, who intended her to be used as a static leisure centre and market. She arrived at her new home at Llanerch-y-Mor, near Mostyn, on 10 August 1979. The ship was beached and the hull was sealed — not in concrete, as is commonly thought, but surrounded by a large tonnage of sand pulled out of the Dee estuary. Known as “The Fun Ship”, it was also possible to visit her bridge and engine room. Conversion for use as a 300-room hotel did not appear to go beyond the preliminary planning stage. Its use as “The Fun Ship” was relatively short-lived and it was subsequently closed to the public because access to the ship is via a bridge under the North Wales railway line, which is too low for emergency vehicles. Over time, the vessel has become increasingly derelict.

The ship was later used as a warehouse by its owners Solitaire Liverpool Ltd, a clothing company registered to the same address as Empirewise Ltd. Despite rumours that the ship would be scrapped, the company stated that they have no plans either to sell it or to restore it and its current use is uncertain.

Despite having large amounts of its exterior paint work covered in red-leading, the interior of the ship is supposedly in very good condition.

So with the interior still intact and the ship only encased in sand rather than concrete, what do you think is the possibility that this ship will ever sail again?

Should you wish to visit the Duke of Lancaster to photograph it there are two paths either side of the river. Take the right-hand side path as you face the ship. The left-hand path leads down to high gates and lots of razor wire.

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32 replies to “Weekly Photo Challenge: Possibility”

  2. I know this ship well, but have never seen it from this side. Thanks for the hint about the path, next time we are nearby I will definitely visit.

    It is such a shock to see it for the first time, as it seems to be miles inland. It’s a lovely photograph, and ideal for this challenge.

    All my pics this time are from Wales – but a little further south around Barmouth.

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  8. Hiyah Mike

    The upload might have softened the shot, I think it still looks good though. I think it may have done you a favour….I think it looks really good. See ya Sunday

    Steve

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  13. There are so many things I like about this photo: the angle, which gives the ship that “larger than life” feel to it; the various textures of the rocks, the clouds, the rust on the boat; the hues in the skies & the bits of waters you can see – just a truly great photo and to know the history behind it enriches it even moreso. Thanks for sharing.

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  22. Love the point of view and the angle shot. Very cool ship. Wish it were in my area. I’d love to take one of the paths you suggested and shoot it myself. I’d vote the possibility of the ship sailing is – not likely. I hope I’m wrong.

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  28. This is fascinating but I should find it so difficult being on the outside knowing that the interior is till in good nick – I would have to find a way in! Is this possible? The angle, the colours and texture in this shot are so beautiful!

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  31. Your perspective gives a sleepy feel to all that mass. Would love to see the inside. Derelict ship. Hmmm. There’s a Nantucket lightship which visits here in the summer and is rented out for parties and overnights. Seems odd but at least it’s still floating.

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