HMS Worcester, naval cadet training ship

HMS Worcester, formerly ‘The Exmouth’, was the third ship to be used as a training vessel by the Thames Nautical Training College. It was originally built built by the London County Council in 1904 as a schoolship for boys sent there by the Poor Law Authorities. The ship was 314 feet in length and had higher headroom than most boats as well as proper classrooms, lighting and heating. The boat was used to give sea training to boys who became known as ‘Worcesters’. They received training and accommodation over 2 years, sleeping in hammocks and keeping their belongings in sea chests. Aged 16 or 17 the boys would have been trained and ready to take jobs with shipping companies or the Royal or Merchant navy.