Photos show moment world’s ‘last’ 1940s paddle steamer passes under Tower Bridge

The Paddle Steamer Waverley was first launched in 1946 and was built in Glasgow to serve the London and North Eastern Railway.

(Image: Darren Sidey – YEDIS DRONE SHOTS)

The vessel is famously known to be the world’s last seagoing paddle steamer and was gifted to the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society for just £1 in 1974.

The Paddle Steamer Waverley was first launched in 1946 and was built in Glasgow to serve the London and North Eastern Railway. (Image: Darren Sidey – YEDIS DRONE SHOTS) The paddle steamer today runs regular trips for passengers eager to ride this nostalgic vessel with its original features, as well as a Dining Saloon serving afternoon tea and dinner.

Waverley was captured by drone shots sailing up the River Thames on route from Gravesend in Kent to Central London, passing well-known sights like the Isle of Dogs, the O2 Arena and Greenwich, before arriving at Tower Bridge.

The vessel is famously known to be the world’s last seagoing paddle steamer. (Image: Darren Sidey – YEDIS DRONE SHOTS) The ship passed through Tower Bridge last week, when the iconic bridge lifted to allow the ship underneath to pass through on its journey to London.

The trip is one of many dusk trips Waverley will be running, and it will also join a historic ships parade on October 13, where the 78-year-old paddle steamer will be joined by other historic vessels including Steam Tug Challenge.