The figurehead is the one artifact that is equally recognisable to all remaining Old Conways. This is its story.

Nile's Original Figurehead

Nile's original figurehead was a "head and shoulders" carving of Admiral Lord Nelson. The original Ship's plans do not show the figurehead but this poor quality photo has been found along with a drawing of the ship by Kenneth Shoesmith in 1907

Collisions with the Ship were a perennial problem in the Sloyne. Some were vessels attempting to manoeuvre in the fast flowing, narrow channel, but most were vessels dragging their moorings, often at night. Almost every year one or two vessels would crash into the jib-boom or drag along the Ship’s side destroying boats, railings and rigging. On 4th June1918 SS Bhamo collided with the Ship carrying away the jib-boom and the original figurehead. It was almost 20 years before the figurehead was replaced.

The New Figurehead

In 1937 it was decided that the ship should have a new figurehead and the figure of Lord Horatio Nelson was chosen. The design and construction were undertaken by Mr. Carter Pearson. The design, described in the Cadet magazine in April 1938, shows Nelson at the close of his career. He is wearing his most cherished decoration, the Order of the Knight of the Bath on his left breast, and suspended on a ribbon around his neck is one of his medals. He is holding his telescope. Surmounting the cutwater is a moulding of the crown, on the left of this is the Caducean, a symbol of commerce, a pole for ropes and an ornamental boathook. On the right is a trident, symbol of Lord of the Ocean, a pole for ropes and an ornamental oar. The handles of these symbols is bound together with a ribbon on which is inscribed his famous message "England Expects That Every Man Will Do His Duty". The figurehead terminates on either side of the cutwater in a lion's head; the collar is the English rose out of which grows the handles of the symbols. The whole is embellished with rich heraldic colouring and gold. He produced a sketch based on a small model of the figurehead which is reproduced on the left below, along with an image of the masted figurehead.

Preston took great pains to ensure authenticity. To obtain a true likeness he studied various portraits of Nelson and was given unique access to his death mask and his Trafalgar uniform to match colours. He produced a copy of the death mask which is still in the Preston family's possession to this day. The figurehead was constructed from teak as this was considered a more long lasting wood than the yellow pine normally used for ships' figureheads. A sound decision as the figurehead still survives although now at HMS Nelson in Portsmouth (the Royal Navy’s Courts Martial Centre). It was not possible to obtain a single block of wood large enough so 3 inch planks were used. It weighs 3.5 tons and stands 13.5 feet high. A series of images of the figurehead are here

For the masting (fitting to the Ship), dedication and unveiling ceremony the Ship was brought alongside Liverpool Landing Stage, the only occasion of a wooden wall being secured alongside the stage. A series of photos of the masting ceremony are here. Dr. John Masefield OM led the ceremony. At 10.30 am the figurehead was unveiled and Masefield read a poem, ‘The New Figurehead’, he had written specially for the occasion.

Ninety nine years ago, the long-dead hands

Fitted your figurehead to lean and yearn

Vant-courier to you as you thrust your way,

Your herald in your going and return,

Seeming to search the seas for foreign lands

Seeming to brood above the burst of spray.

Long perished are those builders, and that form.

We, who are linked to you by subtle ties,

To-day re-dower you, again complete

The Life you had (for us) with head and eyes

To front the running water and the storm

And bear alike, unblinking, sun and sleet.

We give you this as dower, with our thanks,

Old Ship who cradled us and gave us friends

And sealed us to the service of the Sea.

All honour to you till that service ends,

New fo'c's'lemen to fill the dwindling ranks,

And Conway boys wherever ships may be.

This was followed by a service in the Cathedral attended by all cadets. “If my memory serves me correctly it was a typical dank Liverpool day

The Figurehead Today

When Conway paid off in 1974 the President of the Club ensured that key artifacts went to appropriate long term homes. The figurehead was donated to HMS Nelson at Portsmouth. IT is still there today and is visible from the main road outside. Photos taken in 1989 and 2008 are here.

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