Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen has paid tribute to the National Museum of the Royal Navy Hartlepool as HMS Trincomalee celebrates her bicentenary.
Mr Houchen was given a tour of the Museum’s site, including HMS Trincomalee, Britain’s oldest warship still afloat, and an insight into her rich history from over the last 200 years.
HMS Trincomalee, which was built in 1817 in Mumbai, India (formerly Bombay), forms part of the National Museum fleet which also includes HMS Victory and Belfast’s HMS Caroline.
2017 also marks 30 years since HMS Trincomalee docked in Hartlepool.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “We are fortunate to have one of the UK’s national treasures and historic tourist attractions in Tees Valley, which is a major contributor to the region’s leisure and tourism economy. It is important to recognise her importance to Hartlepool and the wider North East region, especially in what is a significant year for everyone connected with the National Museum of the Royal Navy Hartlepool.
“It was great to be given an insight into HMS Trincomalee and learn more about her rich history. I would like to wish everyone at the National Museum all the very best in HMS Trincomalee’s 200th anniversary year and look forward to visiting this iconic site again soon.”
The National Museum of the Royal Navy Hartlepool is currently fundraising for large, essential maintenance works to preserve HMS Trincomalee for future generations.
Roslyn Adamson, General Manager at the National Museum of the Royal Navy Hartlepool, said: “We would like to thank the Mayor for his visit and endorsement of the National Museum of Royal Navy Hartlepool, as we celebrate HMS Trincomalee’s bicentenary. She plays a significant role as one of the area’s key landmarks, with many people from across the country visiting the museum each year.
“It is vital that we are able to secure funding and a regular source of income to preserve HMS Trincomalee and the National Museum for future generations to enjoy for the next 200 years and beyond.”
For further information about the HMS Trincomalee Trust’s fundraising campaign, visit: https://www.justgiving.