Historic paddle steamer Waverley celebrates 80th anniversary

Paddle Steamer Waverley celebrated her 80th anniversary on Friday, October 2, making a spectacular passage through Tower Bridge shortly after 9.30am.

The historic vessel was sailing on the River Thames as part of a special anniversary cruise, continuing downriver to Gravesend and Southend before taking passengers on a voyage around the historic Thames forts.

Waverley, the world’s last seagoing paddle steamer, pictured under way during her 80th anniversary year. (Image: Submitted)

Waverley was launched into the River Kelvin at A&J Inglis’ Pointhouse Yard in Glasgow on October 2, 1946, by Lady Matthews, wife of the chairman of the London and North Eastern Railway (LNER).

She entered service the following year, on June 16, 1947, beginning a career which has now spanned eight decades and seen her become the world’s last seagoing paddle steamer.

At the original launch, Lady Matthews spoke of “the splendour of the Clyde coast scenery”, adding that it “should be viewed from steamers like this”.

Joining the ship for her anniversary voyage was David Horne, managing director of LNER, reflecting Waverley’s historic connection with the railway company which commissioned her.

Paul Semple, general manager of Waverley Excursions, said: “Waverley reaching her 80th anniversary is a remarkable achievement and one that everyone connected with the ship can be incredibly proud of.

“She was built to serve the Clyde coast and, 80 years later, she continues to give tens of thousands of people the opportunity to experience the joy of travelling by steam.

“From her early beginnings with LNER to her survival as a working paddle steamer after being gifted for £1 to the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society, Waverley has become much more than a ship.

“She is a living piece of maritime history and a much-loved part of our national heritage.”

Waverley takes to the water for the first time at A&J Inglis’ Pointhouse Yard in Glasgow on October 2, 1946. (Image: Submitted)

Mr Semple added that celebrating the anniversary by sailing through Tower Bridge was particularly special, before Waverley returns to the Clyde for the final voyages of her anniversary season.

The vessel was withdrawn from regular commercial service before being handed to the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society in 1974 for the symbolic sum of £1.

She returned to operation in preservation the following year and has since carried more than six million passengers on voyages around the UK.

In each of the past three summer seasons, more than 150,000 passengers have travelled aboard Waverley.

From left, Waverley master Bruce Clark, LNER managing director David Horne, chief officer Gary Stevenson and Waverley Excursions general manager Paul Semple aboard the vessel during her 80th anniversary celebrations. (Image: Submitted)

A new book, Waverley: 80 Years of Pleasure, compiled by historian Iain Quinn, has also been released to mark the anniversary, tracing the ship’s story from her construction and early career through to her preservation.

Waverley will continue sailing on the Thames until Sunday, October 11, before returning to Scotland.

Her 80th anniversary season is due to conclude with two final sailings from Glasgow and around the Clyde coast on Saturday, October 17 and Sunday, October 18.