There's something undeniably captivating about a ship stranded on land. It's a scene straight out of a maritime fantasy, a relic of the past frozen in time. And in the heart of North Wales, there's a perfect example of this: the Duke of Lancaster.
Once a proud passenger ferry, the Duke of Lancaster now rests on the banks of the River Dee, a silent sentinel on the Welsh coastline. Beached in 1979 with grand plans to become a floating leisure complex, the ship's destiny took a different course. Legal battles and financial woes halted the project, leaving the vessel abandoned and decaying.
Despite its forlorn state, the Duke of Lancaster has an undeniable allure. Its imposing silhouette against the Welsh sky is a striking image, and it has become a local landmark, drawing curious visitors and photographers alike. The ship is a time capsule, a tangible link to a bygone era of ocean liners and grand voyages.
While the ship's future remains uncertain, one thing is clear: it has captured the imagination of the public. Countless stories and legends surround the Duke of Lancaster, adding to its mystique. Some say it's haunted, others believe it's a symbol of lost dreams and unfulfilled potential.
Whether you're a history buff, a photography enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates the unusual, the Duke of Lancaster is a must-see. It's a reminder that even in the face of adversity, there's beauty to be found in the unexpected.
The pictures below were taken from the North Wales Coast walk, the path running around the Lancaster's berth, which is where I took these pictures from, the site clearly guarded against unwelcome visitors. I respected this and kept to the path, they were taken on the 27th July 2024 with a Nikon d3300. Clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.
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All the images remain the copyright of Colin Green.
