HMS Conway - Click here to return to the menu HMS Conway 1859 - 1974

© Alfie Windsor 1998
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The Founding

In the mid 1800s the British merchant fleet had many shortcomings. The Merchant Shipping Acts of 1851 and 1854 were designed to force improvements and control. They required all deep sea vessels to be commanded and officered by experienced, certified individuals who were to sit examinations. Those making a career at sea now had to be trained and educated in academic as well as nautical subjects.

The merchant fleet owners, fearing further legislation and government intervention, determined to take the initiative. Ship owners in various main ports of the UK formed Mercantile Marine Service Associations (MMSA). Liverpool was one of the earliest and in 1857 they decided to set up a school ship specifically to train young boys for a life at sea.

After much debate they petitioned the Admiralty for a ship to accommodate the school which was to be moored in the Sloyne, off Rock Ferry, on the River Mersey in Liverpool, England. The mooring was approximately a quarter mile ESE of the river end of Rock Ferry Pier.

After examining a number of vessels (they very nearly chose HMS Vestal) they accepted a small Jackass Frigate named HMS Conway.

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HMS Conway - Click here to return to the menu Page Last Modified (D/M/Y): 31/7/03 HMS Conway - Click here to return to the menu