Lydia Eva (steam drifter) facts for kids
![]() Lydia Eva
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Quick facts for kids History |
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Name | Lydia Eva |
Owner |
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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 |
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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!
Contents
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.