HMS RODNEY Figurehead Appeal
HMS RODNEY Figurehead APPEAL
THE FIGUREHEAD
HMS RODNEY was an Admiral-class ironclad battleship launched in 1884 and later sold in 1909. The ship was launched from No. 7 Slip at Chatham Dockyard on 7 October 1884 by Princess Marie Alexandrovna, Duchess of Edinburgh and wife of Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh, who served as a Vice Admiral in the Royal Navy.
The ship carried a full-length figurehead representing its namesake, Admiral Lord Rodney. This carving is particularly significant as it was the last traditional full-size figurehead to be fitted to a Battleship.
Survival and Preservation
The figurehead survived largely by chance. When HMS RODNEY was sold in 1909, the carving was removed after being repeatedly damaged both at sea and while mooring. At one point, a heavy sea even carried away the figureheadтАЩs hand.
After removal, the figurehead entered the Chatham collection, where it stood outdoors for many years along AdmiralтАЩs Walk alongside other historic naval figureheads near Slip 2.
Today, it can be seen in the Steam, Steel and Submarines Gallery, where it continues to represent an important piece of Royal Navy heritage.
OUR MISSION
We are raising vital funds to support essential conservation work to repair visible and structural damage and preserve HMS RODNEY for future generations. The repairs are estimated to cost ┬г35,000.
Your donation will help:
- Protect the critically endangered heritage craft of figurehead carving by supporting the few specialist carvers still practicing in the UK.
- Restore the historic spirit and identity of HMS RODNEY by preserving the figurehead that once symbolised protection for her crew.
- Secure the long-term future of this maritime icon by repairing structural timber damage and preventing further deterioration.
How You Can Help
Your support will help ensure this important piece of maritime heritage can be carefully conserved and protected for years to come. If you would like to donate then please scan the QR code or click the ‘Donate Online’ button below.
Other ways to show your support
We are proud that we generate significant income from our operations and trading functions but we do require funding to enable us to manage our huge maintenance burden and maintain excellence in all the museum and learning services we provide.
There are a number of ways in which you can support us:
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