Grant secures future for HMS Wellington

HMS Wellington is the only UK's only surviving Battle of the Atlantic escort ship

The future of HMS Wellington, a historic World War Two warship, has been secured with a £225,000 grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The Somerset town of Wellington adopted the ship during WW2, and since April 2023 the Wellington Trust has been leading a revitalisation project.

It plans to spend the money on essential maintenance, expanding access and developing onboard activities.

The trust's chairman Dominic Tweddle said this would help it "become financially self-sustaining, ensuring the ship's preservation for future generations".

HMS Wellington, currently moored at Temple Stairs in Victoria Embankment, London, was purchased by the Honourable Company of Master Mariners in 1947.

HMS Wellington served from 1935 to 1945

Wellington town councillor Keith Wheatley highlighted the ship's significance, noting its role in the Dunkirk evacuation in 1940.

"While smaller boats rescued soldiers from the beaches, HMS Wellington was anchored offshore, using her guns for defence and ferrying troops across the Channel to safety," he said.

The grant will fund the vessel's essential maintenance and secure its financial and physical future

During the Battle of the Atlantic, HMS Wellington escorted convoys, protecting merchant ships and saving countless lives.

"She completed 103 convoys—more than any other ship. An extraordinary achievement," added Mr Wheatley.

In 1948, HMS Wellington was converted into Headquarters Ship [HQS] Wellington, serving as the floating livery hall for the Honourable Company of Master Mariners.

Its connection to Wellington, Somerset, dates back to WW2, when the town adopted the vessel as part of a national fundraising campaign, raising £120,000 [in 1942 prices] to support the warship during the course of the conflict.

"She is the only ship still afloat that took part in the Battle of the Atlantic," Mr Wheatley emphasised.

The trust hopes to fully reopen the ship to the public later this year.