HMS Conway
1859 - 1974

The story of HMS Conway began in the 1950s. New laws in merchant shipping led to an increased need for educated seamen and because of this many schools were founded close to ports and docks. In 1857 a school ship was established in iverpool – the HMS Conway. Over the years many different ships have been used as the Conway, but the last and longest serving was originally the 1839 built HMS Nile.

During 1941 Liverpool and its docks suffered devastating air raids. The decision was taken to relocate HMS Conway to the more peaceful surroundings of the Menai Straits. On May 21st 1941 HMS Conway began her first journey for 65 years. 24 hours later she docked at Glyn Garth Mooring to the West of Bangor Pier.

The ship’s next journey came 8 years later. The demand for sea cadets had risen and the Conway’s Captain Goddard felt it necessary to find an onshore site to elp accommodate extra cadets. The site of Plas Newydd was chosen because it had space for playing fields and construction of buildings. On 14th April 1949 the Conway was moved, with the aid of two tugs, through down the Strait and through the Swellies to Plas Newydd. The ships mast passed within 3 feet of the underside of the suspension bridge, and the ship came dangerously close to the seabed on occasions.

4 years later in 1953, the ship needed to be refitted in Birkenhead. Local pilots advised the crew that 3 tugs should be used in stead of just two as in 1949, but their warnings were ignored. As the ship approached the suspension bridge an unexpected strong current made the boat uncontrollable and the rear tug was moved to the front in an effort to control the boat. This left the rear uncontrolled and also lost valuable time. Minutes later HMS Conway ran aground on flat rocks near the bridge. As the tide went down the ship’s back broke, leaving her wrecked on the edge of the Straits.

The wreck was left until 1958, when Caernarfon Harbour Board began work on removing the wreck. However, during this work the boat caught fire was burnt down to water level. The remains of the boat can still be seen at low tide.

The school was still housed on the site of Plas Newydd for a further 20 years. During this time tents borrowed form the army were used while more huts were constructed. The school finally closed in 1974 when funding was withdrawn. During its final time in Plas Newydd both Ian Duncan Smith and Sir Clive Woodward studied at HMS Conway.

For more information click onto the HMS Conway site. The history page on this website includes a fascinating report on the actual enquiry into the accident and loss of the ship - April 1953.

In 2009 - 150 Anniversary celebrations