And while HMS Warrior may now be a resident of Portsmouth, she looks like the majestic giant she is thanks to an eight-year restoration programme in Hartlepool. Here are four rarely seen views of Warrior, taken shortly before she left for her journey south to her permanent home.
Some of the scenes show the completed restoration work including the giant boiler room which was vast and breathtaking. Hartlepool Mail photographers also captured these views of the main deck, galley, and workers putting the finishing touches to the ship.
The 380ft long armoured frigate became a remarkable sight as she was transformed back to her best by a talented restoration team.
The Warrior’s restoration started when the Maritime Trust took over the ship’s control and transformed her from the oil jetty she had become back into the ship which had once been the might of the Royal Navy.
Warrior’s story actually started in 1859 when the ship was ordered in response to France building an ironclad warship.
It was 40 years ago this year that another major part of the ship’s history unfolded. That’s when Warrior began her 800-mile journey to the Coal Dock at Hartlepool for restoration.
Were you one of the people who worked on Warrior and can you remember these scenes?
Get in touch and tell us more by emailing [email protected]
2. mml warrior 3169
The funnels make a dominant sight in this view of the deck of the ironclad giant. Photo: HM
3. mml warrior 2168.JPG
Restoration teams had a huge task to get Warrior in pristine condition. Photo: HM
4. mml warrior 5171
HMS Warrior dwarfs every other boat around her on her journey from Hartlepool. Photo: HM