L2024_6292 DAFFODIL and BROCKLEBANK
Former Mersey Ferry ROYAL DAFFODIL now DAFFODIL at Canning Dock near historic Alexander Towing Company tug BROCKLEBANK. The rename of the vessel from ROYAL DAFFODIL to DAFFODIL is believed to have been as Mersey Ferries have retained the name for the new vessel currently under construction at Cammell Laird.
The former Mersey Ferry OVERCHURCH, later renamned ROYAL DAFFODIL has been converted into a Restaurant, Bar and Exhibition space and has from November 2024 been located in Canning Dock adjacent to the entrance to the Albert Dock.
As OVERCHURCH the ship was built by Cammell Laird for Birkenhead Corporation in 1962 to operate the Birkenhead to Liverpool Ferry Service. Following the creation of the Merseyside Passenger Transport Executive both Birkenhead and Wallasey Ferries were merged to form Mersey Ferries.
OVERCHURCH was extensively rebuilt at Manchester Dry Docks in 1999 and renamed ROYAL DAFFODIL.
The rebuild intended to make the vessel suitable for coastal cruises to Llandudno Pier however these trips did not materialise and she remained in service on the River Mersey.
Withdrawn from service in 2012 she was laid up at Birkenhead until sold in spring 2019 to Liverpool City Sights Ltd.
An extended period of refubisment followed in which the ship's engines and machinery were removed to create an event space in the engine room.
In November 2024 the ship was towed to Canning Dock with the intention of opening in December 2024.
Click here for more photographs of DAFFODIL in Canning Dock: www.jhluxton.com/Shipping/Historic-Ships/THE-DAFFODIL
L2024_6292 DAFFODIL and BROCKLEBANK
Former Mersey Ferry ROYAL DAFFODIL now DAFFODIL at Canning Dock near historic Alexander Towing Company tug BROCKLEBANK. The rename of the vessel from ROYAL DAFFODIL to DAFFODIL is believed to have been as Mersey Ferries have retained the name for the new vessel currently under construction at Cammell Laird.
The former Mersey Ferry OVERCHURCH, later renamned ROYAL DAFFODIL has been converted into a Restaurant, Bar and Exhibition space and has from November 2024 been located in Canning Dock adjacent to the entrance to the Albert Dock.
As OVERCHURCH the ship was built by Cammell Laird for Birkenhead Corporation in 1962 to operate the Birkenhead to Liverpool Ferry Service. Following the creation of the Merseyside Passenger Transport Executive both Birkenhead and Wallasey Ferries were merged to form Mersey Ferries.
OVERCHURCH was extensively rebuilt at Manchester Dry Docks in 1999 and renamed ROYAL DAFFODIL.
The rebuild intended to make the vessel suitable for coastal cruises to Llandudno Pier however these trips did not materialise and she remained in service on the River Mersey.
Withdrawn from service in 2012 she was laid up at Birkenhead until sold in spring 2019 to Liverpool City Sights Ltd.
An extended period of refubisment followed in which the ship's engines and machinery were removed to create an event space in the engine room.
In November 2024 the ship was towed to Canning Dock with the intention of opening in December 2024.
Click here for more photographs of DAFFODIL in Canning Dock: www.jhluxton.com/Shipping/Historic-Ships/THE-DAFFODIL