The HMS Conway anchor, a five-tonne landmark, has been moved for a major waterfront renovation project.
The anchor used to sit outside the Maritime Museum for almost forty years. Now, it is positioned near the Museum of Liverpool’s north steps, close to Mann Island.
This move is due to the Waterfront Transformation Project, which includes renovating the Slavery and Maritime Museums. A new entrance is planned in the King building, featuring an iron and glass bridge.
The museums closed on January 5th and held a ceremony to mark the rebuild. Reopening is planned for 2028, and the anchor remains a popular spot for meeting and taking photos.
The anchor was once in the River Mersey, where the HMS Conway ship stayed from 1876. The Royal Navy lent the ship to the marine service; it was a two-decker vessel.
The ship served as a training school for cadets for many years. During World War II, they moved it to North Wales. In 1953, the ship wrecked off the Menai Strait.
After the wreck, they recovered the anchor and kept it at Plas Newydd in Anglesey. In 1980, the Conway Club, composed of former cadets, donated it to the museum.
The anchor’s move facilitates the museum rebuild, for which National Museums Liverpool obtained permission. The plan is to expand the museums to preserve the city’s past.
The Slavery Museum will gain a new entrance in the Dr. King building. The Maritime Museum will benefit from an improved welcome area, along with a shop and cafe.