Built in 1936 by Nobles at Fraserburgh, SOVEREIGN is a fishing vessel first registered as LH171 for T Hall of Newhaven. Her current engine is a Gardner 6LW, 62 kw. She was subsequently registered as BK29, LH368 and then her present registration of HL165. We are lacking information on this particular vessel. If you have any information on this vessel past or present, please contact us.
Subsequent developments
July 2010 SOVEREIGN ceased fishing at the start of 2009. She was subsequently placed in the ownership of of the Northumbrian Fishing Heritage Trust, an associate body of the North East Maritime Trust. Conservation work started in June 2010 and it is intended that the vessel will be returned to her 1950s copndition as a traditional ringer/seiner. Source: current owners. April-September 2010 A Sustainability Award of £1250 for hull repairs was made from the Strategic Development Fund of National Historic Ships. Source: National Historic Ships. August 2011 During 2010 and 2011 the vessel was extensively repaired in the South Shields workship of Fred Crowell, assisted by volunteers. Work included: re-nailing of hull, repair of keel, replacement of defective planking to hull and deck, repairs ot frames, new capping to bulwarks, elimination of beetle infestation, repairs to wheelhouse (of which only the windows and door survive), re-assembly of collapsed forecastle accommodation, repairs and renewals to spars, replacment of engine with identical Gardner 6LW, servicing of gearboxes, replacement of fuel tanks, repaint in 1950s colours etc. Financial assistance to make the work possible from National Historic Ships, the Community Foundation Tyne and Wear and the Port of Tyne Fund, as well as substantial donations from members of the North East Maritime Trust. Source: current owners. April 2011: You Tube Video of Fred Crowell, South Shields boatbuilder and the work carried out on Sovereign http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4HGMa6oX9no Source: National Historic Ships
Key dates
1936 Built in 1936 by Nobles at Fraserburgh
Bibliography
1995 Olsen's Fisherman's Nautical Almanack 1995
1997 The English Welsh and Northern Ireland Fishing Vessel List as at 30 June 1997 - Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food
2011 Classic Boat NHS rescue for oldest fishing boat
If you are the owner of the vessel and would like to provide more details or updated information please contact info@nationalhistoricships.org.uk
