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 figurehead’s hand.

After removal, the figurehead entered the Chatham collection, where it stood outdoors for many years along Admiral’s 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.