Went rummaging in another ships’ graveyard today (2nd March, 2023)! Been looking for hulks, not the Marvel type, near the entrance to the Lydney Canal on the River Severn. Has some fun in the mud and sun! See also my post on the Purton Hulks.
In 1954 various redundant barges were put into position on the River Severn front to prevent further erosion at the entrance to Lydney Canal. Today this collection has the skeletal remains of 24 Hulks.
Here is an eye witness account of how the Hulks came to there:
"Mr Saunders recalls that various vessels were filled with stone and deliberately beached on the foreshore at Lydney to prevent erosion and recalls that they may have been sunk during the war. However, he also recalls that two or more were sunk upon his return from active war service which he served in the Far East. Mr Saunders also identified the vessels Nibley, Wasp. Hannah* and Jonadab as being beached on the foreshore at Lydney. He also recalls that a barge was placed on the foreshore in 1954".
Mr Saunders a British Rail Operative - Retired 1983 aged 84. Date of Interview 22.06.18 .(Source: Friends of Purton).
The above map, which is very handy if you want to visit, was dowloaded from the Friends of Purton site: https://www.friendsofpurton.org.uk/lydney/. The area is unusual, with reeds, mud flats, alien-like landscapes, views down the River Severn valley, hulks and the proximity of many industrial areas; indeed I parked next to a large metal recycling plant. The Esprit below looks like it is nearing the end of its working life! However, the harbour is currently getting an upgrade "Lydney Harbour is currently undergoing a £2.1 million regeneration, funded by the Coastal Community Fund. The main project aims were to create safe, attractive transport routes into Lydney Harbour and develop the area as a recreation and tourism destination". Forest of Dean District Council. Loved my visit and will return.
If video doesn't load refresh the screen
Approach to Hulks behind Yacht Club (hulk numbers 1-9) via the harbour blocked off due to major works; approach to these via river side too difficult due to mud flats, I did try as the above shows!
Hulk 1 Sarah, viewed from cliff walk
Berkeley, Hulk No 20 on the map at top (originally called Pricilla) was a Dock Lighter built 1857 in Pugwash, Nova Scotia, Canada: "... information is scant [but] enough exists to suggest she [Pricilla] must have made the UK following a rough passage and thereafter [was] considered un-seaworthy. From this, her ownership has passed to local lightering company G. T. Beards, who were renowned for converting former sailing ships and eking out a living in the less salubrious trade as a towed barge. Renamed Berkeley, in keeping with their existing fleet names the vessel continued until her final journey across the Severn Sea"
Above source: https://www.friendsofpurton.org.uk/berkeley/
This is an interesting post: Lydney Hulks from Canal World. Posted by Heartland, June 22, 2017, on the resulting thread a big debate evolved spanning nearly 2 years. The images were eventually reversed to the show correct orientation and identification of various Hulks. The images it seems were originally from the RCHS Weaver Collection, but I don't know when they were taken. That said, they are excellent.
Paul Barnett comments on the above thread, May 13th 2019: "top photo L-R Jonadab -George- Willie - Berkeley - Pleone - Celtic - and Nibley at far end, bottom near to far Celtic - Pleone - Berkeley - Willie - George - Jonadab"
What this spot looks like in March 2023 (below)
Plaque on cliff top
Possibly Hulk No 20: Onyx or Hulk No 21: Emerald
Probably Hulk No 24: Nibley in the foreground (there were no more visible Hulks beyond this point)