Steamship Shieldhall

Steamship Shieldhall is the largest working steam ship in Britain. A member of the National Historic Fleet, she serves as a sea going tribute to Britain's maritime heritage. Passengers can experience the golden age of steam by booking on an excursion or visiting her in Southampton. Shieldhall is also available for private charter or for hire as a venue alongside.

Shieldhall was laid down in October 1954, and launched 7th July 1955. Built by Lobnitz & Co. of Renfrew on the River Clyde to a specification determined by the Glasgow Corporation, she was required to carry her cargo as well as passengers (housed in a spacious saloon) in her daily trips doon the watter.

Shieldhall transported treated sewage sludge to be dumped at sea. She continued a tradition, dating back to the First World War, that Glasgow's sludge vessels carried organised parties of passengers when operating during the summer months.

In 1976, after 21 years of faithful service, Shieldhall was laid up. She was purchased by the Southern Water Authority in 1977 and after minor modifications, she carried sludge from Marchwood, Millbrook and Woolston to an area south of the Isle of Wight for five years from 1980. It was when she was suddenly withdrawn from service in July 1985, due to rising fuel prices, that active preservation began.

As a result of an initiative by the Southampton City's Museum Services, a preservation society was formed and Shieldhall was purchased from Southern Water in 1988, for 20,000.

The Society is registered as an Industrial and Provident Society as The Solent Steam Packet Limited and operates as a charity.

All work associated with the Society and Shieldhall is carried out by unpaid volunteers. Much work has been done on the ship by these volunteers in order to keep her in sea-going condition. The saloon has been restored and the galley brought up-to-date. A speaker system introduced as part of the HLF refit allows for a Southampton Green Badge Guide to give a detailed commentary on the sights and sounds of Southampton Water and The Solent. Shieldhall is a frequent sight around the Solent running summer excursions, and she has represented Southampton for the Dordrecht Steam Festival and International Festivals of the Sea at Bristol and Portsmouth.

During the summer voyages, passengers (up to 200 per sailing) are encouraged to visit the Bridge and machinery spaces. Shieldhalls annual sailing programme is designed to appeal to a number of audiences, with family-friendly 2hr trips of the Docks (Adults 23 and Children 5), 3hr sailings to see cruise ships depart in the Solent, 4hr music cruises with the Shieldhall Stompers Jazz Band, to viewing cruises for the Cowes Fireworks, Fastnet and Round the Island Races and Bournemouth Air Festival (Adults 52, Children 26). Shieldhall attracts a wide audience from steam lovers to those looking for a day out with a difference, families, groups and coach parties.