Registration number 2670
Status Registered
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Details

Function Fishing Vessel
Subfunction Dredger
Location Leigh on Sea
Vessel type A Class
Current use Community Vessel
Available to hire Yes
Available for excursions Yes

Construction

Builder Cole & Wiggins, Leigh-on-Sea
Built in 1924
Hull material Wood
Rig Gaff Cutter
Number of decks 1
Number of masts 1
Propulsion Motor
Number of engines 1
Primary engine type Diesel
Boiler type None

Dimensions

Length: Overall
36.00 feet (10.97m)
Breadth: Beam
11.30 feet (3.44m)
Depth
3.50 feet (1.07m)
Air Draft
28.00 feet (8.53m)
Tonnage: Gross
12.00

History

ENDEAVOUR was built as a Leigh on Sea cockle boat and is there still. Built by local builders Cole & Wiggins in 1924, she is of timber carvel construction and her present engine is a Lister/Petter diesel installed in 2004.

Since 1924 ENDEAVOUR has been owned by many Leigh fishermen and is the last remaining wooden cockle boat. Apart from a brief interlude when she was called into service to aid in the Dunkirk evacuation during the Second World War, she has plied her trade in the traditional way which entailed sailing to the cockle beds, grounding on the falling  tide so the crew could gather cockles and load them on board.

At some time ENDEAVOUR disappeared from her trade and was re-discovered in Rochester where she was lying neglected. A local group from Leigh undertook to bring her home and restore her to her original condition. This was in 2003 and the restoration was duly completed. The vessel is now proudly displayed in her home port of Leigh on Sea and is involved in a comprehensive community and educational programme.

ENDEAVOUR has participated in commemorative anniversary returns to Dunkirk in 2005 and 2010 and took part in the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Pageant in 2012.

Key dates

  • 1924

    Built by Cole & Wiggins of Leigh on Sea

  • 1924/onwards

    Operated as a Leigh cockle dredger with many Leigh fishermen as owners

  • 1940

    Requisitioned by the Admiralty and took part in the evacuation at Dunkirk

  • 2003

    Found abandoned at Rochester and brought back to Leigh on Sea for restoration

  • 2005 & 2010

    Made commemorative anniversary returns to Dunkirk

  • 2012

    Took part in the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Pageant

  • 2015

    Took part in the 75th Anniversary Return to Dunkirk commemorations.  Source: ADLS

Grants

  • 2003-2004

    The Heritage Lottery Fund awarded £40,000 for restoration work

Own this vessel?

If you are the owner of this vessel and would like to provide more details or updated information, please contact info@nationalhistoricships.org.uk