The Royal Iris of the Mersey, an iconic British ferry that once inspired a world-famous musical and hit song, now sits as a vandalised wreck on the Thames, a stark contrast to its glorious past. In its prime, this vessel carried Queen Elizabeth II and hosted early concerts by the Beatles in Liverpool, but today, it is so severely damaged that it may never sail again.
From Glory to Neglect
For four decades, the Royal Iris ferried passengers across the River Mersey before being moored in Woolwich, London. Since 2002, it has been abandoned near Thames Side Studios, gradually falling into total disrepair. A public appeal to save the ferry failed, and its ownership remains in dispute, leaving it to rot away without anyone taking responsibility.
A Rich Cultural Legacy
The ferry's history is deeply intertwined with British culture. It inspired the 1964 musical 'Ferry Cross the Mersey' and the Gerry and the Pacemakers hit song of the same name. In the 1960s and 1970s, it was known in Liverpool and Birkenhead as the “fish and chip boat” due to cruises featuring live music. By 1979, it was fitted with a dome and used in the ITV children’s programme The Mersey Pirate.
Notably, the Royal Iris hosted early shows by the Beatles in 1961 and 1962 and carried Elizabeth II during her silver jubilee in 1977. It also played a role in the memorial service following the Hillsborough stadium disaster in 1989. After being taken out of service in 1991, it was sold for conversion into a nightclub but has since been neglected.
Devastating Fire and Current State
In April 2025, a fire gutted half of the boat, requiring six fire engines and 40 firefighters, with a fireboat deployed to tackle the blaze. Mirror reader Trevor Barnett, 75, spotted the ferry near the Mellish Industrial estate, noting that the name 'Royal Iris of the Mersey' is still visible on the side, but the vessel is now covered in graffiti and extensively vandalised.
Trevor, from Chislehurst, Kent, described the scene: "It is not that far from the Woolwich ferry now but it is covered in graffiti, and vandals have had a good go at it. It is in some state now." The ferry, which could carry over 2,000 people, officially retired on March 31, marking the end of an era.
Failed Restoration Efforts
Several campaigns attempted to bring the Royal Iris back to Liverpool, including a petition with nearly 2,000 signatures after squatters were reported on the ferry in 2010. However, these efforts faltered due to lack of ownership clarity and funding. In the mid-1980s, the ferry received a refurbishment as part of the Liverpool Garden Festival and even sailed to London to promote the city to investors, highlighting its former prestige.
A spokesperson for the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority stated: "As it has not been in our ownership for some time, we're unable to provide an update on her history or comment on the intentions of other parties." This underscores the challenges in preserving such historical assets when responsibility is fragmented.
The Royal Iris of the Mersey remains a poignant reminder of Liverpool's maritime heritage, now languishing on the Thames with an uncertain future, its once-proud legacy overshadowed by decay and neglect.
