A Pioneering 'Lord'

The Lord Warden leaving Dun Laoghaire for Holyhead during her final season. © Justin Merrigan Collection

The Lord Warden, England's first purpose-built stern loading car ferry, first appeared at Holyhead in 1971, spending that summer in services to Dun Laoghaire. In 1979 she operated on a short-lived Fishguard - Dun Laoghaire service.

The Lord Warden at Newhaven, October 1975. © Albert Novelli

Under the command of Capt John Bakewell her last sailing under the Sealink flag was from Dun Laoghaire to Holyhead on 8 September 1979. After lay-up at Newhaven she was sold for further service in the Red Sea.  She was sold for scrap in 1981.