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Training Ship Mercury and boys racing crew, River Hamble
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Training Ship Mercury and boys racing crew, River Hamble
The racing crew of the training ship Mercury with the ship itself in the background. The Mercury, established in 1885 by Charles Hoare, was originally based at Binstead, Isle of Wight, but moved in 1892 to the River Hamble, near Southampton, Hampshire. Boys aged 12-15 were trained in seamanship, with many going on to join the naval services
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Media ID 4481085
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10472641
1885 1892 Crew Employment Established Hamble Hampshire Isle Join Mercury Moved Oars Rigging Seamanship Services Skills Southampton Trained Wight Workhouse 1895 Binstead
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures the spirit of determination and camaraderie among the boys' racing crew of the Training Ship Mercury, as they eagerly prepare to take to the water in the late 1890s. The Mercury, a historic vessel established in 1885 by Charles Hoare, was originally based at Binstead on the Isle of Wight but moved to the River Hamble, near Southampton, Hampshire, in 1892. The ship provided essential training for boys aged 12-15 in seamanship, with many going on to join the naval services. In this image, the Mercury can be seen in the background, its sails raised high and its rigging taut against the wind. The boys, dressed in their uniforms, are focused on their task, their oars poised to propel the boat forward. The water reflects the sunlight, creating a shimmering effect that adds to the sense of energy and excitement. The Training Ship Mercury was an important institution in the late Victorian era, providing valuable skills and employment opportunities for young boys who might otherwise have ended up in workhouses. The ship's move to the River Hamble marked a new chapter in its history, and this photograph offers a fascinating glimpse into the daily life of the crew and the vital role the Mercury played in preparing its trainees for a future in the navy.
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