Waverley was named and launched at the Pointhouse Yard of A.&J. Inglis in Glasgow on 2nd October 1946 by Lady Matthews, wife of the Chairman of the London & North Eastern Railway (LNER). She entered service the following year on 16 June 1947, beginning a remarkable career that would see her become one of the most recognisable historic vessels in the world.
On Friday 2nd October 2026 Waverley was able to celebrate a phenomenal 80 years since she was first launched into the River Kelvin, Glasgow. This anniversary being of significance given how few steam ships have ever had a career that spanned eight decades.
The World’s last seagoing paddle steamer made a spectacular passage through London’s Tower Bridge shortly after 9.30am yesterday morning, as part of a special anniversary sailing on the River Thames. She then steamed down the Thames calling at Gravesend and Southend-on-Sea before steaming our to view the World War II built Thames Forts – Knock John, Red Sands and Shivering Sands giving passengers a close up view of the war time defence structures. As Waverley retuned to London at the end of the special sailing all passengers on deck were waving flags and cheering as Waverley steamed proudly back into the Upper Pool of London.
At her launch in Glasgow back in 1946, Lady Matthews spoke of “the splendour of the Clyde coast scenery”, which she said, “should be viewed from steamers like this.” Among those who joined Waverley for her 80th anniversary celebration sailing was David Horne, Managing Director of LNER, recognising that Waverley was the last steamer build for the old LNER, who also operated The Flying Scotsman.
Reflecting the connection between the railway company and the paddle steamer it commissioned 80 years ago. Paul Semple, General Manager of Waverley Excursions, said: “Waverley reaching her 80th anniversary is a remarkable achievement and one that everyone connected with the ship can be incredibly proud of. She was built to serve the Clyde coast and, 80 years later, she continues to give tens of thousands of people the opportunity to experience the joy of travelling by steam.”
“From her early beginnings with LNER to her survival as a working paddle steamer after being gifted for £1 to the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society, Waverley has become much more than a ship. She is a living piece of maritime history and a much-loved part of our national heritage.”
“It is particularly special to be celebrating her 80th anniversary here in London, sailing through Tower Bridge, while also looking ahead to returning home to the Clyde for the final sailings of our anniversary season.”
To mark the milestone, a new book, ‘Waverley 80 Years of Pleasure’, has also been complied by historian Iain Quinn. The book celebrates Waverley’s extraordinary 80-year story, from her launch and early career through to her preservation and continued life as a working passenger ship.
Following the anniversary celebrations, Waverley will continue sailing on the River Thames until Sunday 11th October, before returning to Scotland for the final weekend of her 2026 anniversary season.
Waverley will return to Glasgow and the Clyde coast for two final sailings on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th October, bringing her 80th anniversary season to a close on her home waters.
