HMS Ganges was the shore based training facility located on the Shotley peninsula, Suffolk. The training centre was named after the original ship Ganges that was initially used as a training vessel. In 1905 education moved inshore and the establishment had a proud tradition of training mariners until 1976.
The Ganges site has been the subject of fierce planning debate; the building of a ‘new town’ is still on going, meanwhile some important historical features of the site such as the tall mast and Martello towers are naturally degrading. Perhaps saddest of all, the tall mast, originally from HMS Cordelia is rotting in situ. Owned by the developer the mast is literally falling apart.
The site is large and very interesting. The Martello towers were converted into water towers and have undergone substantial changes. The northern tower actually remains in excellent condition and inside the remains of the original oak floor can be found.
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