Calshot Spit lightship set to be transported through Southampton today

Guided by a police escort the Calshot Spit was moved from Dock Gate 4 to Albert Road South at around 9.30am today.  The lightship which guided boats into Southampton's port for much of the last century is being rehomed at the Solent Sky museum where it will become a new cafe for visitors to enjoy.  The ship was retired in the 1960s and has been sat in the city port for almost a decade.

Calshot Spit outside Solent Sky

It was hauled through Southampton to the museum which pays tribute to the history of aviation in Southampton, where it will be restored before taking on its new role.

Built in 1914, the red ship was known as Light Vessel 78 (LV78) and is type of a riveted iron-plated ship.

Director of the museum, Alan Jones, said: "The ship has been in the docks for years. 

"She was in danger of being cut up. 

"We have spent six months organising getting her here. 

"She was originally a lightship off Calshot Spit, she guided in the great liners up to 1965 and is a part of the city's history."

Calshot Spit outside Solent Sky

According to Alan, moving the ship cost £100,000.

However, commenting on the need to preserve Southampton's heritage he said if you forget your history you won't have a future.

Southampton City Council's travel account wrote on social media: "From around 9.30am today moving at walking pace, the Calshot Spit Lightship is being transported from Dock Gate 4 to Albert Road South. Please avoid the area if possible."

After retirement, the ship was placed at the entrance to the Ocean Village development as a decoration.  It was later moved to Southampton Docks for a proposed transport museum, but the plans were pulled in 2012.

Associated British Ports supported the move which saw the Calshot Ship travel along Canute Road to the museum on self-propelling rollers.

The museum would like to speak to anyone who served on the ship which was operated by Trinity House.