Framed Print : Cutty Sark and HMS Worcester EPW061029

EDITORS COMMENTS

This evocative photograph captures the historic moment when the iconic Cutty Sark tea clipper and HMS Worcester, a Royal Navy sloop, were berthed outside Ingress Abbey, the Incorporated Thames Nautical Training College, in Greenhithe, Kent, in May 1939. The Cutty Sark, with its distinctive black hull and distinctive rigging, was a symbol of the golden age of sailing ships and the tea trade. Its sleek lines and impressive speed made it a formidable competitor in the race to bring tea from China to Britain. HMS Worcester, on the other hand, represented the cutting edge of naval technology. A sloop of the 'C' class, it was a versatile warship, capable of both defensive and offensive operations. Its sleek lines and powerful engines made it a formidable presence on the water. The photograph provides a fascinating snapshot of maritime history, with the two vessels dwarfed by the vast expanse of the Thames Estuary. The Incorporated Thames Nautical Training College, with its imposing red-brick buildings, can be seen in the background, a testament to the importance of maritime education and training. The image is a reminder of a bygone era, when sailing ships ruled the waves and the Royal Navy was the guardian of the seas. It also highlights the rich maritime heritage of Greenhithe and the Thames Estuary, which continues to be celebrated and preserved to this day.