Penarth Dock, South Wales - the heritage and legacy

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Volume Two - The Era of Optimism, Investment & Development - The demise of H.M.S. Exmouth at Penarth Dock - 1905 . . .

	Some of the artifacts from these ships were preserved:- Havannah Cannon For Cardiff - 'The Cardiff Town Council to-day, accepted the offer of Mr. Henry Norris, of two cannons from His Majesty's Ship Havannah, now motion of the Mayor, a vote of thanks to Mr. Norris was passed, and it was decided that the cannon be handed over to the parks committee.' Evening Express [135] [361] 8th August 1905. Another famous local former warship hulk made news a month later:- The Hamadryad - 'The Hamadryad sailed from Cardiff on Tuesday evening in charge of Mr. J. Davies's tugs, the Frank Stanley and the Prairie Flower. Mr. J. Davies and Mr. Norris (who purchased the Havannah and Exmouth for breaking up purposes) have secured the figure-head of the Hamadryad, which is in the form of a lady, and intend presenting it to the Seamen's Hospital Committee for preservation in the grounds.' Evening Express [135] [361] 6th September 1905.
The Havannah Industrial School

The Hamadryad Hospital Ship

The Royal Hamadryad Hospital

I am convinced by the preceding newspaper reports that Mr. George Cohen was not the owner of the Exmouth as reported in some quarters but that it was Mr. (Harry or Henry) Norris who was active breaking-up the 'wooden walls' in the Cardiff and Penarth area. Maybe, Mr. Cohen was an agent acting on Mr. Norris's behalf. The two cannon were melted down but I wonder where the other artifacts are today? Does anyone have any information please?

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