Lydia Eva (steam drifter) facts for kids
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|} Lydia Eva is a very special old ship. She is the last surviving steam drifter that used to catch herring fish. Her home port was Great Yarmouth, a town in Norfolk, England.
In the early 1900s, Great Yarmouth was the biggest herring fishing port in the world. Lydia Eva reminds us of that important time. Today, she is part of the National Historic Fleet, which means she is a very important ship in British history. You might even recognize her from the movie Wonka!
Contents
| History | |
|---|---|
 United Kingdom |
|
| Name | Lydia Eva |
| Owner |
|
| Operator | Lydia Eva and Mincarlo Charitable Trust Ltd. |
| Port of registry | Great Yarmouth |
| Builder | Kings Lynn Slipway Co. Ltd. |
| Laid down | 1930 |
| In service | Regular experience / passenger days |
| Identification | Port Number YH89 |
| Status | Museum ship |
| General characteristics | |
| Class and type | Sidewinder trawler |
| Tonnage | 138 grt 64 net |
| Length | 95 ft (29 m) |
| Beam | 20.6 ft (6.3 m) |
| Depth | 9.8 ft (3.0 m) |
| Installed power |
|
What is a Steam Drifter?
A steam drifter is a type of fishing boat that uses a steam engine for power. These boats were designed to catch fish using "drift nets." These nets float freely in the water, drifting with the currents. Fishermen would set out long nets at night. The herring would swim into the nets and get caught.
The Lydia Eva's Design
Lydia Eva was built in 1930. She is about 95 feet (29 meters) long. Her steam engine was built by Crabtree & Co. This engine helped her move through the water to find fish. She also has a boiler, which heats water to create the steam for the engine.
Great Yarmouth's Fishing History
Great Yarmouth was once a very busy and famous fishing town. It was known all over the world for its herring fleet. Hundreds of drifters like Lydia Eva would leave the port every day. They would bring back huge catches of herring.
The Herring Industry
Herring was a very important food source. It was also a big business for Great Yarmouth. The town had many factories for processing the fish. This included salting, smoking, and packing them. The fishing industry provided jobs for many people in the town.
Lydia Eva as a Museum Ship
After her fishing days were over, Lydia Eva was saved. She became a Museum ship. This means she is preserved so people can visit her. Visitors can learn about what life was like on a fishing boat. They can also see how steam drifters worked.
Visiting the Ship
Today, Lydia Eva is looked after by a special trust. They make sure she stays in good condition. Sometimes, she even offers trips for people to experience what it was like to be on a steam drifter. This helps keep the history of Great Yarmouth's fishing alive.
