SHIELDHALL
If you are out on Southampton Water during most summer weekends, chances are you will come across a distinctive little ship named Shieldhall, her decks thronged with enthusiasts, as she makes her own short voyage around the Solent area in steam. Stephen Payne joined the enthusiasts to see what this successful preserved vessel has to offer.
The preserved steamship Shieldhall is certainly a bit of an enigma. Now a well-known part of the Southampton shipping scene, she is one of the bestrun historic ships working in Britain today, and has an interesting and unusual history. In terms of her appearance and design, she is certainly unusual.
Forward of the aft mast towards the stern is a black and buff funnel with a cowled top, set upon a low white superstructure, which signifies that she is a steamship. Further forward are two old open lifeboats sat in cradles below two pairs of equally antiquarian davits, while the forward end of the superstructure is built up with a handsome ‘island’ bridge structure.
Forward of the superstructure are a large working deck and
