Ships of the Clyde

Clyde Naval Heritage intends to grow the site with information from ships of all kinds born on the Clyde.

Feel free to browse the links and dropdowns to learn about the ships we are currently focusing on.

Some of the most famous military ships built on the River Clyde, 

1. HMS Ambuscade – A Royal Navy Frigate, later transferred to the Pakistan Navy as PNS Tariq.
2. HMS Hood – The last battlecruiser built for the Royal Navy, famously lost in the Battle of the Denmark Strait in 1941.
3. HMS Repulse – A Renown-class battlecruiser, sunk by Japanese aircraft in 1941 during WWII.
4. HMS Vanguard  – The last battleship built for the Royal Navy and also the largest.
5. HMS Duke of York – A King George V-class battleship that served during World War II, including at the Battle of North Cape.
6. HMS Lion – A famous battlecruiser that fought in the Battle of Jutland.
7. HMS Barham – A Queen Elizabeth-class battleship that saw service during both World Wars.
8. HMS Glasgow – A Town-class cruiser that served in WWII, playing a role in the Norwegian Campaign and D-Day.
9. HMS Black Prince – An armoured cruiser, part of the ill-fated British fleet in the Battle of Jutland.
10. HMS Tiger – A battlecruiser that also participated in the Battle of Jutland.

These ships illustrate the Clyde’s significant contribution to naval history, especially during the World Wars.

Here are 10 famous civilian ships built on the River Clyde:

1. RMS Queen Mary – A legendary ocean liner, now a museum ship in Long Beach, California.
2. RMS Queen Elizabeth – Once the largest passenger liner ever built, later destroyed by fire in Hong Kong.
3. RMS Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2) – A beloved Cunard liner, now a floating hotel in Dubai.
4. SS Lusitania – Famous for being sunk by a German U-boat in World War I, contributing to the U.S. entering the war.
5. SS Aquitania – Known as the “Ship Beautiful,” it served in both World Wars and as a passenger liner.
6. RMS Britannia – One of the first Cunard steamships, it established the company’s transatlantic service.
7. SS Vickers Vanguard – A high-speed merchant ship built for Vickers Ltd, part of modern shipbuilding history.
8. MV Loch Seaforth – A car ferry that connects the mainland with the Isle of Lewis in Scotland.
9. MV Hebridean Princess – A luxury cruise ship that often visits remote Scottish islands, famously chartered by Queen Elizabeth II.
10. PS Waverley – The last sea-going paddle steamer in the world, still operating today as a passenger excursion vessel.

The Clyde has a long legacy of shipbuilding, especially for ocean liners and ferries.

Mission

Our mission at Clyde Naval Heritage is to preserve and celebrate the rich heritage of the River Clyde’s shipbuilding industry, highlighting the contributions of the industry to the development of both Merchant and Royal Navy ships. Through education and collaboration, we aim to inspire future generations to continue the legacy of innovation and excellence.

Vision

Our vision at Clyde Naval Heritage is to create a dynamic and interactive space that celebrates the rich history of the River Clyde’s shipbuilding industry, preserving and showcasing the vessels built for both the Merchant and Royal Navy. We aim to inspire visitors and celebrate the region’s unique maritime legacy.

Values