One of Britain's most important historic vessels has received a £225,000 grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to secure its future.
The Royal Navy sloop HMS Wellington is the last surviving dedicated Battle of the Atlantic convoy escort in the UK – now moored in London at Temple Stairs on the Victoria Embankment.
The vessel is also known for its links to the Merchant Navy, as from 1948 to 2023, it was the headquarters of the Honourable Company of Master Mariners, and was known during that time as HQS Wellington.
Since the Honourable Company moved out, the ship has been managed by a charitable organisation, The Wellington Trust, which has been working on a revitalisation project and new business model to secure the Wellington's physical and financial future. The condition of the vessel has deteriorated significantly over the years, and the Trust says that the National Lottery grant has come just in time to save it.
Thanks to the funding, the Trust plans to open the Wellington to the public this year, and will extend engagement with community groups. The vessel will also be available to hire for events and filming.
Wellington Trust chair Dominic Tweddle commented: 'We are so pleased to receive this grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. It means a great deal to us. There is a lot to the Wellington story, and we look forward to welcoming many more people onboard in the future, thanks to the National Lottery players.'
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