|
The Cutty Sark
2 June 2007. Learn about one of England's treasures that was recently damaged by fire.
The Cutty Sark is one of the most famous ships in the world, and one of the most popular tourist attractions in London. On 21 May 2007 it was badly damaged by fire.
What is the Cutty Sark and why is it so special?
The Cutty Sark was built in 1869. She is a type of ship called a 'clipper'. This is a long and narrow ship with several masts. She was very fast, and was called a 'tea clipper' because she was designed to carry tea between China and Britain. The Cutty Sark is the world's last tea clipper.
Later, she was used to transport wool from Australia. In 1895, she was sold to Portugal. She came back to Britain in 1922 and was used as a training ship. After World War Two, she became a museum ship.
Where is the Cutty Sark now?
Since 1954, she has been in Greenwich, which is the maritime centre of London. The Cutty Sark has welcomed many million visitors, but has been closed to the public since November 2006, when conservation work began.
What about the fire?
A fire broke out in the early morning of 21 May. It was difficult for the firefighters to enter the scene and put out the fire, so there was a lot of damage. The police are treating the fire as 'suspicious'.
Fortunately, because of the conservation project, about 50% of the ship was in another place, so much of the ship escaped the fire.
Video of the ship after the fire
Can the ship be repaired?
It is believed that the ship can be repaired, but it will take more time and money.
She has survived many years already, and many dangerous seas, so we hope she can survive this fire too.
