Caernarfon Anchor

This five ton anchor from HMS Conway stands proudly overlooking the Menai Straits from the new waterfront promenade at Slate Quay in Caernarfon, North Wales. Recovered and restored in 1987 it originally stood just a few dozen meters away at Victoria Dock outside the then Seiont II Maritime Museum. 

The Museum's long term viability came into doubt due to increased running costs and low revenue and finally closed in 2012. In 2014 the plans for the new promenade were accepted, with the relocation of the anchor and the old museum being turned into toilet and shower facilities for boat owners using Victoria Dock. 

HMS Conway itself was established as a Royal Navy training ship in 185, with 3 separate ships in total bearing the name, however it was the ship originally launched as HMS Nile in 1839 which was the longest serving. For the last 4 years of it's service the ship was sited at Plas Newydd, just along the road at Anglesey. 

In 1953 she was due to be towed to Birkenhead for a refit, but ran into trouble with strong currents, and making little progress the rear tug was moved to the front to provide more power. This left the rear of HMS Conway uncontrolled and she subsequently ran aground near the suspension bridge and her back finally broke as the tide went out. 

Photographed in April 2014 just before sunset provided a lovely mix of colours, from the deep blues in the sky to the orange clouds coloured by the setting sun. This did however leave the anchor almost black, so to revive the detail, the image was ran through Photomatix and given a very slight HDR treatment revealing the grain of the wood.