19th century, LV38 Gull Lightship, inter-tidal zone adjacent to Thurrock Yacht Club (EHER 46613)

LV38 is reported to have been constructed of composite materials (wood, metal and copper) in 1860 and was known as GULL. She is believed to be one of the oldest extant lightships in the world, remaining on station for 80 years.

Original HER entry merged with NRHE data import. Remains of the Gull Lightship, located in the inter-tidal zone adjacent to Thurrock Yacht Club. LV38 is reported to have been constructed of composite materials (wood, metal and copper) in 1860 and was known as GULL. She is believed to be one of the oldest extant lightships in the world, remaining on station for 80 years. Used as a lightship in various location until sunk in 1929. It was raised and repaired and used until straffed by the Luftwaffe, when it was removed to Gorleston, being laid up for the remainder of World War II. In 1947 the Thurrock Yacht Club moored her at Kilvert's Wharf, Grays and used as a clubhouse. Ceased as a clubhouse in 1971 when it became derelict and was sold for a £1 but Port of London Authority refused permission for her to be moved and lying derelict at Grays. She is believed to be the second oldest surviving light vessel in European waters. <1> National Historic ships web site LV38 certificate number 139. <2> Seen with the lantern casing still in situ, sitting on the mud. Composite construction of metal and wood. <3> Her original owner was Trinity House Corporation and her final owner was Grays [Thurrock] Yacht Club. The Gull is the second oldest light vessel in existence; first moored in 1947 as the clubhouse for the Grays Yacht club and used for storage following the opening of the new clubhouse in 1971. Locals thereafter began to strip her of her copper deck covering. <3> Position stated to be TQ 615773, or 51 28.2971N 000 19.4341E by WGS 84. Photograph from stern end, afloat. <5> Photograph looking SSE, depicting wooden planking, metal wheelhouse and lantern casing still in situ; lying on the mud. <6> Lightship No.38 or Gull Lightship No.38: served on several stations, including Lynn Well, Gull and Brake stations on the Goodwin Sands, and lastly at the Mouse station in the Thames; laid up in 1941. Bought by Thurrock Yacht club 1946 and has since been deteriorating. Said in 2006 "not to have much time left". <7> Six photographs on site, showing her at Ramsgate "after being sunk in 1929", in 1935, again at Ramsgate after rescuing ship passengers (clearly marked BRAKE); a photograph "in her prime" marked GULL, in her present location during the 1970s, and as in 2006. <8> NB: Since the vessel which sank in 1929 [TR 46 SE 74] was said to have been a relief vessel, it is unclear whether this is the same vessel; however, her movements between stations may indicate that she was this vessel. <9> Vandalised in 2002 and since "left to rot". <>