Trinity House Lightship 50 H.Y. Tyne III Lighthouse

Built in 1879, Trinity House Lightship 50 H.Y. Tyne III is the last wooden lightship constructed for Trinity House. This 30.5m vessel was originally painted black with a white band and white trim, featuring a lantern on its mainmast. Throughout its service life, it operated from various stations, including Calshot Spit at Southampton. Decommissioned in 1950, the lightship found a new purpose in 1952 when it became the club ship for the Royal Northumberland Yacht Club. It is currently moored at the yacht club on the south side of Blyth Harbour. In 2014, the Friends of LV50 organization formed to aid in its preservation and restoration, and a plaque honoring its service was unveiled in February 2023.

Why it matters: This lightship is significant as the final wooden vessel of its kind built for Trinity House, representing a pivotal moment in maritime construction and navigation technology. Its extensive service across various stations underscores its critical role in safeguarding shipping lanes and warning vessels of coastal hazards for over seven decades. Today, its preservation as a club ship and a focal point for the Royal Northumberland Yacht Club ensures its continued presence as a unique historical landmark and a tangible connection to the region's maritime heritage.