31/10/2026
The last of the "ghost ship" photos (its apparently not haunted) 🤣
Sitting on the banks of the River Dee near Mostyn in North Wales is this rather unusual sight – the Duke of Lancaster, a ship with quite a story behind her.
Built by Harland & Wolff in Belfast (the same shipbuilders responsible for the Titanic), she was launched in 1955 and entered service in 1956 as a passenger ferry for British Railways, mainly operating between Heysham and Belfast. She also enjoyed a spell as a cruise ship, taking passengers around Scotland and parts of Europe.
After being converted to carry cars, she continued working various ferry routes until her retirement in 1978.
In August 1979, she was brought to Llanerch-y-Mor with plans to turn her into a floating leisure complex and shopping centre, famously known as The Fun Ship. Unfortunately, the venture was short-lived and she eventually closed to the public.
Today, she remains stranded on the banks of the Dee, becoming something of a landmark and a fascinating reminder of Britain's maritime past.
It's amazing to think of all the passengers, journeys and stories this ship must have witnessed over the years. What a piece of history! 📸
