A popular landmark on Liverpool’s Royal Albert Dock has moved to a temporary new home.
The (approx.) 5 tonnes HMS Conway anchor, part of Maritime Museum’s collection, has been lifted from its current position on the quayside in front of the museum, opposite Canning Dock, and transferred to near the north steps of Museum of Liverpool, Mann Island.
HMS Conway, a two-decker vessel, lent by the Royal Navy to the Mercantile Marine Service Association, was moored on the Mersey from 1876, as a school ship and the site for thousands of cadets to be trained.
The ship was anchored on the Mersey for many years before being moved to North Wales during the Second World War. Following the loss of the ship (wrecked in the Menai Strait) in 1953, the Admiralty pattern anchor was recovered and kept by the parade ground at the ‘Stone Frigate’ in Plas Newydd, Anglesey. The anchor, along with other relics, were later donated to the museum in 1980 by the Conway Club – a group made up of former cadets.
In the almost 40 years the anchor has been on display outside Maritime Museum it has become a popular meeting place and photo backdrop for the millions of visitors who visit the historic waterfront location.
The temporary move of the anchor will enable access for the redevelopment of both Maritime Museum and International Slavery Museum.
Both museums closed to the public on 5 January 2025 for essential repairs and maintenance works ahead of a major redevelopment project, subject to funding. Find out more: www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/