Efforts to save HMS Bronington 'could be scrapped' if home not found 'soon'
Efforts to save an historic warship once captained by King Charles could be scrapped if they do not find a home for her “soon”.
“Last of the wooden walls” HMS Bronington (HMSB) remains submerged in Merseyside Docks as The Bronington Trust, which is spearheading efforts to save the beleaguered ship, tries to find her a home.
It has long been hoped to return her home to Portsmouth but the trust has not had any joy so far in achieving this despite securing charitable status and raising around £20,000.
It is a significant commemorative year for Bronington with it 50 years since she was commanded by the then Prince of Wales in 1976 and 75 years since she was first laid down in the Cook, Welton and Gemmell Shipyard in Beverley, Yorkshire in 1951.
And Mike McBride, of the trust, is hoping 2026 could be the year a new home is found for Bronington. But he conceded: “If nothing is done soon HMSB will be scrapped, and sadly will be a significant loss to our maritime heritage and STEM learning resource for our future generations.”
He hopes a similar approach could be adopted to the Argentine Navy with restoring and displaying HMS Hickleton, sister ship to HMSB, at a naval museum. “Doing something similar with less of a footprint and minimal sustainability costs may be a more pragmatic solution for HMSB,” Mr McBride said.
He added: “Efforts to restore HMSB have elicited positive noises from many potential stakeholders, but all sides are waiting for the project to gain some real momentum in the form of a sustainable home for the vessel.
“The trust is confident that finding a home for HMSB (whole ship or key components) will unlock the business partnerships, major funding and global media exposure required to save her.”
Mr McBride previously said: “The project to save HMSB continues to resonate with the public and crowdfunding has now accumulated over £20,000. This includes donations from the Ton Class Association, Royal Naval Association and the Village of Bronington.
“Public funding has enabled the trust to pay for a hull survey, engage with professional fundraising consultants (Tricolor Associates) and achieve the financial stability required for charitable status. But the charity needs more. Any donations, large or small, would be welcome.”
To donate go to: www.gofundme.com/f/help-restore-hms-bronington