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Lydia Eva (steam drifter) facts for kids

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Steam Drifter Lydia Eva.jpg
Lydia Eva
Quick facts for kids
History
United Kingdom
Name Lydia Eva
Owner
  • Harry Eastick of Gorleston-on-Sea.
  • Mr. Geoffrey Banes of Caenarvonshire Yacht Company.
  • Maritime Trust.
  • Lydia Eva Charitable Trust Ltd.
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
  • Engine: 1930, Crabtree & Co. (R.H. Hutchinson), Triple Expansion, 10" + 17" + 28" x 20".
  • Boiler: 1961, Stockton Chemical Engineers & Riley Boilers Ltd., RT Scotch.

The Lydia Eva is a special ship. It is the very last steam-powered fishing boat, called a drifter, that remains from the big herring fishing fleet of Great Yarmouth, England. Great Yarmouth was once the most important herring fishing port in the world. The Lydia Eva is now part of the National Historic Fleet, which means it is a very important ship for the history of the United Kingdom. You might have even seen it in the movie Wonka!

What is a Drifter?

A drifter is a type of fishing boat. These boats used long nets that would "drift" in the water. They would catch fish like herring. Herring are small, oily fish that swim in large groups. They were a very important food source.

The Great Yarmouth Herring Fleet

In the early 1900s, Great Yarmouth was famous for its herring fishing. Many drifter boats like the Lydia Eva would go out to sea. They brought back huge catches of herring. This made Great Yarmouth a very busy and important port.

Lydia Eva's History

The Lydia Eva was built in 1930. It was made by the Kings Lynn Slipway Co. Ltd. This ship was designed to catch herring using its special nets. It worked hard for many years.

From Fishing to Museum

Over time, fishing methods changed. Steam drifters became less common. The Lydia Eva was saved from being scrapped. It was recognized as a valuable piece of history. Today, it is a Museum ship. This means people can visit it and learn about its past.

A National Treasure

Being part of the National Historic Fleet means the Lydia Eva is protected. It is seen as a ship that tells an important story about Britain's maritime past. It helps us remember the hard work of the fishermen and the importance of the herring industry.

Lydia Eva in Film

The Lydia Eva gained even more fame recently. It appeared in the popular film Wonka. This movie came out in 2023. Its appearance in the film helped many more people learn about this historic ship.

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