Name Light Vessel 50 H.Y. Tyne

1.      What is the vessel’s ability to demonstrate history in her physical fabric?

Evidence for designs, functions, techniques, processes, styles, customs and habits or uses and associations in relation to events and people.  How early, intact or rare these features are may impact on significance.

LV 50 was constructed for Trinity House in 1879 and her hull remains largely original, including the massive wrought iron hanging and lodging knees. Her design is credited to Bernard Weymouth, secretary to Lloyds and one of the architects of the Plimsoll Line and designer of the clipper ship THERMOPYLAE. The combination of wrought iron technology with wood in a composite construction encapsulates the history of ship building development which LV 50 is now one of only a few remaining vessels able to evidence. Her intact hull displays the marriage of ancient wooden construction techniques with iron knees, beam and strap reinforcing. She was always towed to station having no independent means of propulsion, relying on anchor and chain deployment to ride out the worst weather.

LV 50 was the first Trinity House light vessel to be fitted with a caloric engine to operate a compressed air foghorn and to exhibit a revolving oil burning parabolic reflected lantern that could emit a characteristic flash pattern. In this way she demonstrates a major development in off shore navigation and safety at sea pioneered by Trinity House. At the time of her initial deployment, navigation depended on dead reckoning and line of sight of a landmark to establish a ship’s position. The evolution of rotating lanterns brought varied flash patterns which alerted passing vessels to danger and enabled them to establish their position by taking a compass bearing. Similarly, the compressed air foghorn with predetermined pattern warned of danger and a particular place. These patterns were recorded on maritime charts so the light vessels also became “signposts of the sea.” 

LV 50 retains her original metal mast and lantern lifting mechanism however, in her later role as a house yacht, her light fitting, topmast and deck-house were replaced and survive only in part.  In 2017, a replica lantern was reinstated (with flashing simulation) as well as a replica foghorn (with simulation) and carronade.  Her accommodation has been extensively modified above and below decks to allow her to be used as a Clubhouse or “house yacht”.  In 2013, a few small sections of her outer planking were replaced and, in 2016, she underwent replacement of her rotten stem. She is presently considered as being ‘in ordinary’ - a Naval term indicating that her deck was covered to ensure longevity whilst out of use as a light vessel. 

2.      What are the vessel’s associational links for which there is no physical evidence?

Associations with people or places.  Off-ship research.

LV 50 was built by Fletcher, Son and Fearnall of Limehouse in London but has regional links to different areas due to her varied service history including the Isles of Scilly, Weymouth, the Thames, Essex and the Isle of Wight. During the First World War, she was stationed at the Nore in the Thames Estuary.  The Second World War saw her based at Calshot Spit in the Solent where she participated in the launch of the D Day offensive in 1944. Since 1952, LV 50 has served as House Yacht for The Royal Northumberland Yacht club, developing a strong association with Blyth Harbour which has been heightened through a programme of visits, lectures and publications organised by the Friends Group.  Her service life and build information is documented in the Warden’s minute books of Trinity House which are held at the London Metropolitan Archives.  She is one of only three surviving floating wooden hulled light vessels and is believed to be the most original.  She was included on the National Register of Historic Vessels in 1999 and has the status of being part of the National Historic Fleet.  In 2018, the Friends of LV50 won the NHS-UK Marsh Volunteer Award and, in 2021 LV 50 was given the accolade of Virtual Flagship of the Year.

3.      How does the vessel’s shape or form combine and contribute to her function?

Overall aesthetic impact of the vessel, her lines, material she was built from and her setting.  Does she remain in her working environment?

LV 50 is a sturdy vessel, with a double-skinned hull built of 3” teak planks on 8” oak frames set 4” apart with bronze fastenings and sheathed in copper with deck planking up to 4 inches thick. Wrought iron and wooden beams, a partial iron weather deck, extensive wrought iron hanging and lodging knees formed a design ready to withstand all weathers whilst on station for up to eight years at a time, in some of the most dangerous places around the coast. Her robust design is testament to the shipbuilding skills of the late Nineteenth Century representing a unique combination of traditional timber construction married to the benefits of extensive structural metal reinforcing.  She remains afloat and therefore is seen in her original setting, although now in the form of a house yacht, none the less much of her original structure has been carefully preserved and is visible and accessible to visitors. Her under water timbers are regularly inspected and remain in good condition. Access to the bilges has allowed understanding of much of her original structure and function including coal storage, freshwater storage tanks, oak frames, keelson and the “bitter end” attachment of her anchor chains.

Source: NHS-UK & Vessel Owner, Updated December 2025