HMS Somerleyton

HMS SOMERLEYTON was built by Richards Ironworks of Lowestoft as Yard Number 415.

She  was re-fitted for conversion to the Australian Navy in 1961/2, re-named HMAS HAWK, and sailed for Australia on 1st October 1962 to see out the rest of her career, which included active service in Borneo during Confrontation 1963-66. 

On breaking up, the wood from her decks was used to make a holiday home on the farthest East Coast of Australia.

Keith Goodwin (not a TCA Member) has sent the following “The house mentioned above is at Bryon Bay NSW. The bridge of HMAS HAWKE is now part of the superstructure of a shipping trawler operating out of Mooloolaba”.

VILLAGE

In Suffolk, 5 miles North West of Lowestoft,on the edge of the Norfolk Broads.

Mentioned in Domesday Book as owned by the King (then William the Conqueror).

Somerlayton Hall was built in 1579 and has been extended several times, with changes of owners. It was bought by Francis Crossley, the carpet manufacturer from Halifax and the title Baron Somerlayton was created for his son in 1916. The family still live in the Hall and own much of the surrounding land, including the village.

In 1950 Christopher Cockerell designed and tested the first Hovercraft here.

Last village to be affiliated with TCA.