18 December 2025
Topic:
Iconic artefacts from frigate HMS Northumberland have found a permanent home in the Plymouth warship’s namesake county.
The ship’s bell and battle honours board are be cared for by Northumberland County Council, while the upper deck name plate has been donated to Bede Academy in Blyth.
The ship was decommissioned in March after it was determined repairing/refitting her for extended service after 30 years was no longer economically viable.
Anything of use to the rest of the Type 23 flotilla or wider Fleet, as well as items of significant historical/cultural value were removed – not least three objects which symbolise the spirit and life of HMS Northumberland which, fittingly, was built on the Tyne by Swan Hunter.
The ship’s sponsor Lady Anne Kerr and first Commanding Officer Captain Steve Bramley formally presented the bell and battle honours board to the county council for display at County Hall in Morpeth.
Another former Commanding Officer, Commodore Tristram Kirkwood, joined Dr Caroline Pryer, Lord Lieutenant of Northumberland, to hand over the name plate to the academy; it will be displayed in the entrance alongside images of the activities of the Combined Cadet Force.
The double presentation was part of an evening at the educational institute celebrating the Royal Navy’s long-standing connections with the county, organised by the council and the Naval Regional Engagement Officer for the North East Lieutenant Paul McKenna.
More than 200 leading regional figures – from politics, two hundred representatives, ranging from civic officials, council leaders, maritime industry, community groups, military associations and charities – were hosted by the RN’s Regional Commander Commodore Tom Knowles and the Leader and Chair of Northumberland County Council (Councillors Glen Sanderson and John Beynon respectively).
Cllr Glen Sanderson said: “We value our relationship with the Royal Navy – historically it has played an important part in our region and we look forward to continuing to support the service today and in the future. We are proud to receive the Ship’s Bell and Battle Honours board.”
Commodore Tom Knowles added: “The Royal Navy is extremely proud of its continued friendship and affiliation with Northumberland. So, it is with an immense sense of pride knowing that these important artefacts will be looked after and cherished by the Council, who intend to site the Ship’s Bell and Battle Honours board on public display in County Hall for the community to be able to visit and see.”
The Royal Navy is extremely proud of its continued friendship and affiliation with Northumberland. So, it is with an immense sense of pride knowing that these important artefacts will be looked after and cherished by the Council, who intend to site the Ship’s Bell and Battle Honours board on public display in County Hall for the community to be able to visit and see.
Commodore Tom Knowles
The North East has historically been a fertile recruiting ground for the Royal Navy, a range of industries and businesses in the region continue to support the defence sector and Newcastle has often been voted second only to New York as a great run ashore for sailors.
Coastal Forces Squadron P2000 patrol craft are based in North Shield; HMS Calliope on the riverfront in Gateshead plays a key role in supporting Maritime Reservists from the Royal Navy and Royal Marines; there are very active Sea Cadet and Combined Cadet Forces units peppered across the county; and Northumbrian Universities Royal Naval Unit gives local students an insight into the Royal Navy.
The Corps of Drums of the Royal Marines Band (Scotland) provided a spectacular opening to the evening, while Petty Officer Michael Bishop and his team underscored the importance of STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics – studies/careers to the future of the UK and the RN.
They had spent the afternoon staging a taster session for students, involving a 3D walkthrough simulation of a Vanguard-class submarine and the F24 electric race car project.
RN Divers, submariners, the Royal Marines and Maritime Reserves all laid on demonstrations of their activities, while the Royal Navy Presentation Team put those activities into the broader context of global operations, and Northern Powergrid signed the Armed Forces Covenant.
Proceedings closed with a Ceremonial Sunset, conducted by a combined guard from the ship’s companies of HMS Archer, Trumpeter, Exploit, Explorer and Calliope and an ensign party of Cadets Keira Dawson and Eleanor Smith from Bede Academy’s CCF Unit (Royal Navy Section), while the RM Buglers provided the music.
“The events which took place throughout the day and into the evening provided our students with a valuable insight into the role of the Royal Navy and the importance it places on Science, Technology and Engineering,” said Bede Academy Principal Andrew Thelwall.