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HM Training Ship: HMS Wellesley (and TS Cornwall) World Naval Ships Forums Archive

HM Training Ship: HMS Wellesley (and TS Cornwall)

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Hi everyone out there,Iam trying to find out about the boat HMS Wellesley for my wife who is researching her uncle Mr George Henry Hill he was an ordinary coder ,we know/think, that she was in Liverpool in 1940,we have found out that there were raids by the germans and several bombs were dropped on the docks. George was killed on 22-11-40 was he a victim of one of these raids ? He is buried in Bootle Cemetry(why?) we cannot find any reference to the boat in Janes ww1 or ww2 . Any help would fill a couple of gaps in the families history.... Many thanks, gardener... [B]Moderators note[/B]: There have been two training ships named Wellesley, as well as a shore training establishment at Blyth. Consequently, a person serving on Wellesley could have served on either of them. An overview of them can be found in later posts on the thread. HMS Cornwall (1812) was renamed Wellesley 1868 and broken up in 1875 HMS Wellesley (1815) was renamed TS Cornwall 1868 and sunk 1940, raised and broken up in 1948 HMS Boscawen (1844) renamed Wellesley 1873 and burned in 1914

HMS Wellesley was a 19th century sailing ship so I don't think it was that one. The site:- [URL]http://www.pbenyon.plus.com/18-1900/W/05208.html[/URL] state that she was sunk in the Thames in an air raid on 24 September 1940, so who knows? She was later named the 'Cornwall' and anchored at Purfleet as a training ship for young boys. A sort of half-way workhouse. Good picture, see:- [URL]http://www.workhouses.org.uk/index.html?trainingships/trainingships.shtml[/URL] She was also in WW2 an 'unofficial' navy training 'ship' for young lads at Blyth iin Northumberland, so I don't think it will be that one. There's also a bit about her at:- [URL]http://www.shieldsgazette.com/jarrow-news/My-grandfather-the-hero.3426027.jp[/URL] Your wife's uncle is listed killed with two colleagues on this day, but the site [URL]http://www.naval-history.net/xDKCas1940-11NOV.htm[/URL] doesn't say where, but lists them as:- Wellesley HILL, George H, Ordinary Coder, P/JX 185055, killed MOORE, Kevin F, Ordinary Coder, D/JX 225471, DOW NEWEL, Alec, Ordinary Coder, C/JX 225490, killed I would try Liverpool's contemporary newspapers at Liverpool Library for further details. There is reference by a sailor A.W.J. Gardner who transfered to HMS Wellesley iin May/June 1944 in Liverpool, at:- [URL]http://www.bbc.co.uk/ww2peopleswar/stories/87/a5709387.shtml[/URL] Can't find any pictures of a modern ship of this name, or of reference to a regular 20th c. HMS 'ship' other than Mr. Gardner's and the sailing ship. Anyone else know? Stewart McLoughlin

I'm afraid I do not know much about this one but it appears that HMS Wellesley was a training depot at Gladstone dock Liverpool and there is mention of it on this site:- [URL]http://www.bbc.co.uk/ww2peopleswar/stories/44/a2431144.shtml[/URL] and also at this site:- [URL]http://www.wartimememories.co.uk/ships/nigeria.html[/URL] Bob.

Been in touch with the Lt. Cmdr. at HMS Eaglet, Liverpool's current RNR base. Doesn't know anything further, but suggests the following may provide further information. Naval Historic Branch: 023 927 24917/24995/24327 National Archive: 020 887 63444 or 020 839 25200 Veterans’ Agency: 0800 169 2277 (e-mail [EMAIL="help@veteransagency.co.uk"]help@veteransagency.co.uk[/EMAIL] Stewart McLoughlin

Only thing I can add is that HMS Wellesley, training base in Liverpool is recorded in Shore Establishments of the Royal Navy as part-destroyed in May 1941. Also states it was at the Royal Southern Hospital.

HMS WELLSLEY, commissioned 8 May 1940, was located at the Royal Southern Hospital, Caryl Street, Liverpool 8, which had been evacuated in 1939 and turned over to the Admiralty for use as a training establishment. There is reference to it being used for DEMS (for those personnel manning defensively armed merchant ships) training. It appears that there was an air raid on Liverpol on 22 November 1940 and it is most probable that he was killed as a reult of this raid. Pehaps George Henry Hill was billeted in Bootle and that is where he was killed and then subsequently buried in the military area of that cemetery? Aparently the east wing of the building was demolished by a bomb during the heavy raids in May 1941 but I can find no other reporte bomb damage to this unit. HMS WELLSLEY was paid of 31 January 1946 and the building were eventually returned to their former use as a hospital. Regards stontamar

An inquiry at the Liverpool Central Library Record Office reveals a bit more:- "In the Liverpool Echo of 23 November 1940, p3 col 2, there is a brief report which I think is about the incident you mention. It says that 6 sailors were caught in a blast from a bomb that fell 40 feet from them and three were killed. They were blown in a heap and some were blown through the front of a lock-up shop. The bomb fell 15 feet from a street surface shelter but nobody was injured in it. No names are mentioned, of streets or ships or hospitals - perhaps because of wartime censorship? If you wanted anything further done by the archivists, a charge, starting at £10 for 1/2 hour would be incurred, or d-i-y in the 2008 City of Culture. I think that's nearly covered it, but there's always that bit more somewhere. Depends how far you want to go. Best of luck. Stewart Mcloughlin

I must thank every one for their replies to the above, It does appear that Wellesly was a shore establishment after all and was bombed on that date. What a shame to die that way on the mainland.Ithas upset my wife but it has told her something that she didnt know about her family and it has filled the gaps and for this she sends her thanks to you all. thanks. gardener.

Hi gardener - I am sure I speak for all those who reply to questions similar to the one you posted on this web site when I express regret at your wife being upset on receiving information relating to her late uncle that she was not expecting. I am however pleased that she appreciates the information provided and that the question and answers have helped to provide additional details that will, in time, add to her understanding and appreciation of the families history. It is possible that sensitive information will be uncovered when dealing with family history and it is therefore always the case when working on commission that the client is made aware of this possibility. Unfortunately when replying to requests for information through sites such as World Naval Ships Forum this advice is invariably not given. Personal records can and do contain information that can be classed as sensitive or that challanges a record that may have been embellished and the circumstances may have been either hidden by the individual or family. In other cases the circumstances relating to a relatives death or injury may be distressing to surviving relatives or may differ to details passed on through the family. I hope that this explanation helps others to understand that by asking questions the answers may or may not meet all expectations but that the vast majority of answers are given with good intention and in the expectation that, as far as possible, the information imparted is accurate and not misleading or designed to offend. Regards stontamar

Hello, Can anyone help me identify this British training ship? The photos show the vessel anchored off the coast, the lads onboard with instructors, what seems to be a gathering of the governors and the commander and family at the dinner table.
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Superb pictures Have been doing a bit of checking on those ships --but lost my notes somewhere ! In 1850 -ish the RN decided to help various charities to get young boys who were designated vagrant or homeless into care and train them for a life at sea or other useful employment --from age 10 to age 15 . They were also aided by government grants from the prison funds etc. That ship you have a picture of is obviously based on the East Coast due to the other vessels in the pic--Thames Sailing barges ----so its Essex or North Kent[ thats where they did their trading ]. She is the same shape /size as the 'Mars ' ship that was based at Dundee on the Tay so it shouldn't be hard to track her name . I will do a search -again and come up with some names for you --unless someone beats me to it !! Fred .

It looks very much like TS Cornwall to me. Used to be anchored off Purfleet. Quite a few Thames barges in the background.

Just beat me to it my friend. I am sure it is the old training ship Cornwall - the ex-Wellesley that was finally broken up in 1940.
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I believe that this is the T.S. Cornwall ex Wellesly . Virtully identical picture of this ship off Purfleet . She was involved in bit of scandel having bought from the army dirty and infested blankets from them. this information from Trains Ships on a website of this name.

Definately as the previous posts ---TS Cornwall Just for info the other ships were Formidable --Bristol Havannah---Cardiff Southampton -----Hull Clarence and Indefatigable -----Mersey Conway and Akbar -----Liverpool Chichester -----Kent?? Worcester ---Southend Warspite ---Woolwich Cornwall ---Purfleet Cumberland ----Glasgow Mars --Dundee and others as private training vessels am still digging them out ! The Mars was a superb looking vessel they finally sold her for scrapping in 1929 at Inverkeithing --they couldn't break her conventionally and some bits had to be dismantled with explosives --:):) Tough old ships Fred

Great job of identification, many thanks. Here are some more photos of life on TS Cornwall. All the photos are in an album of the London and County Photographic Company, Bromley, Kent. I found the album in the small town of Tallard in the Hautes Alpes so goodness knows how it got there! From the Web site [URL]http://www.glamorganfamilyhistory.co.uk/maritime/TSCornwall81.html[/URL] I found a list of the staff and scolars on TS Cornwall in 1881 and so maybe we can put a name to the people in the "dinner table" photo: Cornelius WILLIES, chief Officer, Eleanor MARRELL, Captains daughter, Mary Sykes visitor Clergyman's daughter and Alice WIFFEN Domestic servant. I also include photos of TS Cambridge and TS Boscawen. Mighty walls of oak!
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Not forgetting Foudrouyant which was anchored in the middle of Portsmouth harbour up til the late 70's early 80's

Foudroyant was originally called Trincomalee during RN service She is now fully restored at South Shields ?? in their historic dockyard Very impressive sight to see. Fred

Trincolmalee is in the Historic dockyard at Hartlepool actually. Well worth a visit.

Thought there would have been 3000 plus posts saying "let's not forget the most famous of them all "GANGES". She was berthed at Mylor, Cornwall, took boys turned them into men and provided the fleet with the best sailors in the world.:):)

[quote=John Seal;42151]Great job of identification, many thanks. Here are some more photos of life on TS Cornwall. All the photos are in an album of the London and County Photographic Company, Bromley, Kent. I found the album in the small town of Tallard in the Hautes Alpes so goodness knows how it got there! From the Web site [URL]http://www.glamorganfamilyhistory.co.uk/maritime/TSCornwall81.html[/URL] I found a list of the staff and scolars on TS Cornwall in 1881 and so maybe we can put a name to the people in the "dinner table" photo: Cornelius WILLIES, chief Officer, Eleanor MARRELL, Captains daughter, Mary Sykes visitor Clergyman's daughter and Alice WIFFEN Domestic servant. I also include photos of TS Cambridge and TS Boscawen. Mighty walls of oak![/quote] This internet malarky never ceases to amaze me with the information that can be found.....

I hope somebody can help me here. I am trying to trace the footsteps of my Great Grandfather Alfred Cassell b 1859 Woolwich who, I am told, was orphaned and trained on the Wellesley . The mystery (for me) is the Wellesley had many names, Cornwall, Boscawen, TS Wellesley. If my G Grandfather was born in Woolwich would it be likely he could have sailed on the Wellesley which I believe was in Chatham up to Tyneside at around 1863? Does anyone know of any ship records for the Wellesley around 1863? :confused:

[quote=Rorqual;41966]Definately as the previous posts ---TS Cornwall Just for info the other ships were Formidable --Bristol Havannah---Cardiff Southampton -----Hull Clarence and Indefatigable -----Mersey Conway and Akbar -----Liverpool Chichester -----Kent?? Worcester ---Southend Warspite ---Woolwich Cornwall ---Purfleet Cumberland ----Glasgow Mars --Dundee and others as private training vessels am still digging them out ! The Mars was a superb looking vessel they finally sold her for scrapping in 1929 at Inverkeithing --they couldn't break her conventionally and some bits had to be dismantled with explosives --:):) Tough old ships Fred[/quote] HMS Impregnable was a 98-gun second-rate launched in 1810. She became a school ship in 1862, was renamed HMS Kent in 1888, HMS Caledonia in 1891, and was sold in 1906. Elaine

What I find confusing is that some of these ships were not the original HMS so and so. but were replaced by others using the original name. Sometime more than once

Found this on the web Two ships and two establishments of the Royal Navy have been named HMS Impregnable: Ships HMS Impregnable was a 98-gun second-rate ship of the line launched in 1786 and wrecked in 1799. HMS Impregnable was a 98-gun second-rate launched in 1810. She became a school ship in 1862, was renamed HMS Kent in 1888, HMS Caledonia in 1891, and was sold in 1906. Training establishment HMS Impregnable was a training establishment started at Devonport in 1862, and active until 1929. As training ships were replaced or added to the establishment, each was renamed Impregnable when she took on the role: HMS Impregnable was the original school ship between 1862 and 1888. HMS Howe was HMS Impregnable between 1885 and 1911, and HMS Impregnable I between 1911 and 1919. HMS Powerful was HMS Impregnable between 1919 and 1929. HMS Inconstant was HMS Impregnable II between 1911 and 1919, and HMS Impregnable (Old) between 1919 and 1922. HMS Andromeda was HMS Impregnable II between 1919 and 1931. HMS Black Prince was HMS Impregnable III between 1910 and 1922. HMS Ganges was HMS Impregnable III between 1922 and 1929. HMS Circe was HMS Impregnable IV between 1915 and 1922. HMS Caroline was HMS Impregnable IV between 1919 and 1929. HMS Impregnable was a training establishment for 'hostilities only' communications ratings at Plymouth between 1935 and 1947. After decommissioning HMS Impregnable was reopened soon after, remaining in commission until 1948.

After reading about the Training ship The Arethusa in my opinion she turned out the Best,wasnt many training ships you could leave and get a good ship The Arethusa old boys would surely agree

The first ship on my grandfather's service record was Impregnable (it was at Devonport), from 8 January 1907 until his first seagoing ship, Euryalus (from 23 September 1908-28 January 1909). I will post more about my research of Impregnable during this period when I have compiled it properly.

[quote=trooperstown;70932]I hope somebody can help me here. I am trying to trace the footsteps of my Great Grandfather Alfred Cassell b 1859 Woolwich who, I am told, was orphaned and trained on the Wellesley . The mystery (for me) is the Wellesley had many names, Cornwall, Boscawen, TS Wellesley. If my G Grandfather was born in Woolwich would it be likely he could have sailed on the Wellesley which I believe was in Chatham up to Tyneside at around 1863? Does anyone know of any ship records for the Wellesley around 1863? :confused:[/quote] She was indeed moored at Chatham ' Launched in 1844 as the five-decked, 74-gun battleship Boscawen, the Wellesley was paid off in 1860 and thereafter was a boys’ training ship at Portland until the Admiralty presented her to the Tyne training ship committee. Here's a snippet from 1861. 24 Oct 1861 - Wellesley being prepared as boys training ship A number of carpenters and mast makers have arrived at Chatham from the Formidable, 84, flagship at Sheerness, and the Fisgard, 42, at Woolwich, to be employed in preparing the Wellesley, 74, flagship at Chatham, and fitting her as a training ship for boys and lads entering the Royal Navy. Already the most extensive alterations have been made on board the Wellesley, which, to enable the work to be carried on more expeditiously, has been removed higher up the harbour. The upper deck has been levelled, and the guns, stores, and gear cleared away to provide the greatest possible space for the instruction of the lads in the broad-sword exercise and in various naval duties. With the exception of a few 32-pounders, the whole of the guns have been removed and landed at the dockyard. The rudder, weighing about 10 tons, has also been unshipped, the anchors and chain cables taken out, and the water-tanks removed, in order to lessen her draught of water. Notwithstanding this, however, the depth of water in that part of the harbour where she is now moored is so little that at nearly every low tide the Wellesley takes the ground. A few nights since she grounded so much that she had a list of 20 degrees. On each of the decks the most extensive alterations are in progress. The officers' cabins, storerooms, offices, &c., on the main deck are being cleared away to provide additional space for the lads, and, according to present arrangements, it is intended to accommodate them on the lower deck, which is to be given up exclusively to their use, the seamen being removed to the orlop deck. By the conversion of the Wellesley to a receiving and training ship the Admiralty have wisely determined on supplying a want which has long been felt at Chatham - namely, a vessel in which promising lads wishing to enter Her Majesty's sea service may be at once entered, instead of being rejected, as has hitherto been the case, or sent to other and more distant ports, simply because there was no receiving-ship for them at Chatham. Heres a picture of her at North Shields with her masts shortened to 'dwarf masts'
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does anyone have info on The Black prince training ship at Queenstown in Ireland. I really need to find where the archives are for years 1898-1901. cant find at Kew. many thanks

Great quality pictures and very interesting as well. Colin OW [quote=John Seal;41935]Hello, Can anyone help me identify this British training ship? The photos show the vessel anchored off the coast, the lads onboard with instructors, what seems to be a gathering of the governors and the commander and family at the dinner table.[/quote]

So are these great pictures as well. The ship in the last picture is indeed a monster ! Cheers Colin OW [quote=John Seal;42151]Great job of identification, many thanks. Here are some more photos of life on TS Cornwall. All the photos are in an album of the London and County Photographic Company, Bromley, Kent. I found the album in the small town of Tallard in the Hautes Alpes so goodness knows how it got there! From the Web site [URL]http://www.glamorganfamilyhistory.co.uk/maritime/TSCornwall81.html[/URL] I found a list of the staff and scolars on TS Cornwall in 1881 and so maybe we can put a name to the people in the "dinner table" photo: Cornelius WILLIES, chief Officer, Eleanor MARRELL, Captains daughter, Mary Sykes visitor Clergyman's daughter and Alice WIFFEN Domestic servant. I also include photos of TS Cambridge and TS Boscawen. Mighty walls of oak![/quote]

While researching my family tree, I came across some intriguing photographs in Gravesend Library photographic archives. Such a sad end to a vessel that had a glorious history Apparently Lord Haw Haw subsequently announced that the Luftwaffe had sunk a Battleship in the Thames. The attached Wikpedia link gives a comprehensive record of the ship [URL]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMS_Wellesley_(1815)[/URL]
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My late father was posted to HMS Wellesley,where he did his training as a coder.That would have been late 1940s.After training he was loaned to Canadian navy,due to the fact they were short of coders.Later joined HMS Lotus and served on her until the end of the war.My fathers name was Rueben Albert Reynolds.

I have in my possession <*.jpgs> of a history of HMS Cornwall, annual reports, and entertainment 'programmes', all associated with a person of interest to me; Captain Noel Marcus Francis Corbett, Captain of TS Cornwall from 1937 to her being bombed at the beginning of WW2. I would be happy to share them with any interested. My e-mail address may be found at: www . users . greenbee . net/~noelbaker. Incidentally, her figurehead may still be seen at the entrance to Chatham (I believe) Dockyard. Any information concerning Admiral Levensen's time with HMAS Australia, c.1918, would be helpful to me.

As far as I know - the only wooden built ship of the line to have been sunk by enemy air attack!

My Dad was also trained at HMS Wellesley in Liverpool in 1940-'41. The unusual thing is, his service certificate shows he was at HMS Cabbala in early 1941, but the plaque at the old site of Cabbala says it was a signals training school 1942-46. My Dad was also a Coder, joining in '40 and finishing in '46 as an instructor at Scotia. (PO in'44). My late brother was FAA and I am an ex-submariner.

Although the plaque gives one time period of use, there certainly seems to be some confusion regarding the dates during which HMS Cabbala was in use for training coders, see:- [quote=familyofsailors;10061633]My Dad was also trained at HMS Wellesley in Liverpool in 1940-'41. The unusual thing is, his service certificate shows he was at HMS Cabbala in early 1941, but the plaque at the old site of Cabbala says it was a signals training school 1942-46. My Dad was also a Coder, joining in '40 and finishing in '46 as an instructor at Scotia. (PO in'44). My late brother was FAA and I am an ex-submariner.[/quote] World War II - The British Navy Move In In 1938, the 5th Earl of Ducie, decided to go back to Australia for a holiday with his wife, the countess and her two sisters. While they were away Mr Diment and his wife were left as caretakers and lived in the court. When war broke out Lord Ducie, unable to get back to England, offered the court to the Australian Navy. This offer was accepted, but Commonwealth troops in need of hospital treatment were not being sent to Great Britain.[B][COLOR=Red] It was used instead by the British Navy in 1940. Alterations were made and the house became a training establishment for coding and signals. The Navy called it a ‘Stone Frigate’ and it was named HMS Cabbala. Incidentally the ceremony of the flag took place daily where Reception is now sited in the main hall. This was done inside the building to avoid drawing attention to what was, at the time, top-secret premises.[/COLOR][/B] It was left to Mr Diment to arrange for all the furniture in the Court to be put in store. At the end of the war the contents were sold at auction. 1942 - Housing American Servicemen In 1942 HMS Cabbala moved to Warrington and Tortworth Court became home to American servicemen. A hospital was built in the grounds and the doctors and nursing staff lived in the house. Regrettably, at this time, some of the trees were lost due to petrol spillage from military vehicles, which were hidden amongst the trees. source [URL="http://tortworth-court-hotel.four-pillars.co.uk/the-history-of-tortworth-court-_38/"]here[/URL] Little h

[quote=WO1RNR;10036779]While researching my family tree, I came across some intriguing photographs in Gravesend Library photographic archives. Such a sad end to a vessel that had a glorious history Apparently Lord Haw Haw subsequently announced that the Luftwaffe had sunk a Battleship in the Thames.[/quote] Her figurehead can be seen just inside the main gates of Chatham Dockyard - and very good it looks, too. :)

H.M.S. Wellesley
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[quote=WO1RNR;10036779]While researching my family tree, I came across some intriguing photographs in Gravesend Library photographic archives. Such a sad end to a vessel that had a glorious history Apparently Lord Haw Haw subsequently announced that the Luftwaffe had sunk a Battleship in the Thames. The attached Wikpedia link gives a comprehensive record of the ship [URL]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMS_Wellesley_(1815)[/URL][/quote] The Wiki article, as is all too common with that site, mixes up HMS Wellesley (1815 - renamed Cornwall in 1868) with the ship which replaced her in 1873 (HMS Boscawen, renamed as Wellesley 1873 and burned in 1914), and with the shore training establishment itself (it was a school for boys to learn seamanship long before it was made a RN shore establishment). This wiki article does give some history for the school itself, accuracy of the article is unknown. [URL]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wellesley_Nautical_School[/URL] [quote=trooperstown;70932]I hope somebody can help me here. I am trying to trace the footsteps of my Great Grandfather Alfred Cassell b 1859 Woolwich who, I am told, was orphaned and trained on the Wellesley . The mystery (for me) is the Wellesley had many names, Cornwall, Boscawen, TS Wellesley. If my G Grandfather was born in Woolwich would it be likely he could have sailed on the Wellesley which I believe was in Chatham up to Tyneside at around 1863? Does anyone know of any ship records for the Wellesley around 1863? :confused:[/quote] [quote=tswellesley;80339]She was indeed moored at Chatham ' Launched in 1844 as the five-decked, 74-gun battleship Boscawen, the Wellesley was paid off in 1860 and thereafter was a boys’ training ship at Portland until the Admiralty presented her to the Tyne training ship committee. Here's a snippet from 1861. 24 Oct 1861 - Wellesley being prepared as boys training ship A number of carpenters and mast makers have arrived at Chatham from the Formidable, 84, flagship at Sheerness, and the Fisgard, 42, at Woolwich, to be employed in preparing the Wellesley, 74, flagship at Chatham, and fitting her as a training ship for boys and lads entering the Royal Navy. Already the most extensive alterations have been made on board the Wellesley, which, to enable the work to be carried on more expeditiously, has been removed higher up the harbour. The upper deck has been levelled, and the guns, stores, and gear cleared away to provide the greatest possible space for the instruction of the lads in the broad-sword exercise and in various naval duties. With the exception of a few 32-pounders, the whole of the guns have been removed and landed at the dockyard. The rudder, weighing about 10 tons, has also been unshipped, the anchors and chain cables taken out, and the water-tanks removed, in order to lessen her draught of water. Notwithstanding this, however, the depth of water in that part of the harbour where she is now moored is so little that at nearly every low tide the Wellesley takes the ground. A few nights since she grounded so much that she had a list of 20 degrees. On each of the decks the most extensive alterations are in progress. The officers' cabins, storerooms, offices, &c., on the main deck are being cleared away to provide additional space for the lads, and, according to present arrangements, it is intended to accommodate them on the lower deck, which is to be given up exclusively to their use, the seamen being removed to the orlop deck. By the conversion of the Wellesley to a receiving and training ship the Admiralty have wisely determined on supplying a want which has long been felt at Chatham - namely, a vessel in which promising lads wishing to enter Her Majesty's sea service may be at once entered, instead of being rejected, as has hitherto been the case, or sent to other and more distant ports, simply because there was no receiving-ship for them at Chatham. Heres a picture of her at North Shields with her masts shortened to 'dwarf masts'[/quote] [quote=KizmeRD;10058268]As far as I know - the only wooden built ship of the line to have been sunk by enemy air attack![/quote] There are three 74-gun RN warships to have been named "Wellesley" - and all three served as a school-ship at the same place. Additionally, two of those were also named "Cornwall". The first was the original Cornwall - see link #1: [quote]HMS Cornwall (first Training Ship) was built as a 3rd rate, 74 gun ship at Deptford in 1809 – 1812 by Barnard & Co; she was 176 ft x 48.2 ft. In 1831 she was razed to a 50 gun ship, 4th rate. In 1859 she was lent to the School Ship Society and moored off Purfleet. In 1868 she was moved to South Shields and had her name changed to TS Wellesley; here she was used as an Industrial School, and was eventually broken up at Sheerness in 1875.[/quote]Then there was HMS Wellesley (1815) also link #1: [quote]HMS Wellesley (second Training Ship ‘Cornwall’) was built by the East India Company at Bombay and launched on 24th February 1815 as a 3rd rate 72 gun ship. She was built of teak and cost £55,147. Her dimensions were 175.10 ft x 48.4 ft. She saw active service in the Far East on several occasions and was for a time Flag Ship of Rear-Admiral Sir Frederick Lewis-Maitland. When she returned from this service, some 27 cannon balls were found embedded in her sides. She was loaned to the School Ship Society by the Admiralty in 1868, and fitted as a training ship, was re-named ‘Cornwall’ to be moored off Purfleet in April of that year. Owing to industrial development at Purfleet, she was moved to Denton, below Gravesend in 1928. In 1940 she was severely damaged by enemy action and subsequently sank; she was raised in 1948, and beached at Tilbury-Ness, where she was broken up. Her timbers were found to be still in good condition and were used in the rebuilding of the Law Courts in London. When the Cornwall was broken up, her figurehead was taken to Chatham Dockyard, where it still stands, just inside the Main Gate under her original name of Wellesley. Many souvenirs were made from her timber, such as ashtrays, candlesticks, serviette rings etc, each with a metal plate giving details of the ship. These can now be found in maritime antique shops and fairs.[/quote]And then there was HMS Boscawen (74 gun, 1844) - see link #2: [quote]The training ship Boscawen first arrived in Portland Roads in February 1862. She was a three decked sailing ship of the line, launched in 1844 but reduced to a hulk in 1862 and converted into a training ship for boy seamen. HMS Britannia had been the first training ship at Portland but the conditions in the anchorage had not suited her and she moved to Dartmouth where she became the forerunner of the Royal Naval College. The original Boscawen at Portland left in 1873 and was replaced by HMS Trafalgar, which took on the name Boscawen and remained at Portland until she was sold in 1906.[/quote]And Link #3: [quote]There were actually two training ships called "Wellesley" - the first was established under the Industrial Schools Act in the 1860s and was moored off the Albert Edward Dock at North Shields. This was in use until 1873 and then another ship was used (the former HMS Boscawen), this one moored off Liddle Street, North Shields. The ship provided berths for some 300 boys, although there weren't that many children on board at any one time. As mentioned above, the Wellesley suffered a mysterious fire in 1914 which led to its destruction and I can remember reading something recently that described the very orderly manner in which the boys disembarked the stricken vessel.[/quote]There were also multiple training ships, and a shore facility, all named Boscawen, as described in link #3. Wellesley also gave its name to the shore establishment formed where the school ship was moored. Link #1 [URL]http://www.thurrock-history.org.uk/wooden.htm[/URL] Link #2 [URL]http://www.pwsts.org.uk/Boscawen.htm[/URL] Link #3 [URL]http://archiver.rootsweb.ancestry.com/th/read/ENG-GEORDIES/2004-06/1086277106[/URL] So we have: HMS Cornwall (1812), renamed Wellesley 1868 and broken up 1875. HMS Wellesley (1815), renamed Cornwall 1868 and sunk 1940, raised and broken up 1948. HMS Boscawen (1844), renamed Wellesley 1873 and burned 1914.

Everything we obtain for this site is shown on the site, we do not have any more photos, crew lists or further information on any of the ships.

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