HMS WELLINGTON (1934) is one of two surviving WW II British Royal Navy warships permanently moored on the Thames.  She lies at Temple Stairs and has been an iconic and much-loved feature on the Thames riverscape since 1948. 

WELLINGTON is important as the nation's only surviving dedicated Battle of Atlantic convoy escort and last surviving Grimsby Class sloop. 

WELLINGTON’s survival today is solely due to the Honourable Company of Master Mariners (HCMM). In 1947, the HCMM purchased the decommissioned HMS WELLINGTON from the mud flats at Pembroke Dock, and converted her into a floating Livery Hall.

In 2005, The Wellington Trust was created and the ship became a registered charity 1109066 with two main responsibilities:

“Conservation and preservation as part of the nation's maritime heritage, the education of the public in the history of the British and Commonwealth Merchant Services and, the importance of seaborne trade to our island nation.”

Significant highlights in her history: 

1935 - 1939. Built for, patrolled and protected British Crown Colonies in the Southwest Pacific.  This is the reason she is painted white.

1939 – 1945.  Recalled to the UK and reassigned as an Atlantic Convoy Close Escort. During this period she escorted 103 Atlantic convoys and rescued hundreds of civilian, merchant navy and military survivors whose vessels fell victim to German U-boat attacks. This included rescuing 169 from the Royal Mail liner Highland Patriot.

1940  Operation Cycle - Normandy Evacuation.

1942 Operation Torch - North Africa campaign.

1946 – 2023 - purchased then converted into the HCMM floating livery hall HQS WELLINGTON.

2024 - 90th anniversary year,  HM King approved the name change to HMS WELLINGTON (1934).

WELLINGTON is now in its sixth chapter as a maritime heritage place of learning and a unique, private and secure venue for weddings, special events and smaller business conferences. The entire ship can also be hired for private and exclusive use.

THE WELLINGTON TRUST

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