Images(5)

THERMOPYLAE - Clipper Ship

AssociatedAssociated with THERMOPYLAE (clipper ship, 1868 - 1907)

Maker MacKenzie & Co

Shipownervessel built for Aberdeen White Star Line (George Thompson & Co)

Shipbuildervessel built by Walter Hood & Co. (Shipbuilder, Footdee, Aberdeen 1839 - 1881)

Date1954

Object NameShip Model

Mediumwood, metal and cord

ClassificationsMaritime History

DimensionsOverall: Length: 138.8 cm, Width: 48 cm, Height: 84 cm

AcquisitionPresented in 1955 by John Spencer.

LocationOn Display - Aberdeen Maritime Museum

Object numberABDMS003120

Keywords

Clipper Ship

About MeThis is a mid 20th century model of the sailing ship Thermopylae. Thermopylae was built in Aberdeen in 1868 by Walter Hood & Co. It was one of a series of vessels they built for the Aberdeen White Star Line. The model shows the famous clipper as it was at the time of its launch with the full ship rigging

On its maiden long distance voyage, Thermopylae sailed to Melbourne, Shanghai and Foochow, breaking records on each leg of the journey. This was the age of the the 'Tea Races' when fast clipper ships raced to be the first back to Britain with a cargo of tea. Each year the first clipper to reach Britain with a cargo of tea was able to gain a premium on price.

The Cutty Sark was one of its Thermopylaes rivals. Twice they raced each other from China. On both occasions Thermopylae reached the British ports first.

Despite its fame as a tea clipper, Thermopylae more often sailed to Australia in the wool trade. In later years it was carrying cargoes of wood in Canada and ultimately sold to the Portuguese Navy and renamed Pedro Nunes. The vessel was converted to a coal hulk and finally sunk in 1907.