Wavertree is an historic iron-hulled sailing ship built in 1885 in Southampton, and registered in Liverpool. Now the largest wrought iron sailing vessel afloat, she's moored at the South Street Seaport in New York City. 

'Back Home After 137 Years'

An important part of Britain's maritime history, she must be returned to her home port from the United States. This would require compensating the current Seaport Museum landlords—struggling financially for a decade—then towing her hull to Southampton, but there is precedent: in 2004 the German Government purchased the Peking from the Museum and returned her to the Port of Hamburg.

Historical Repatriation

Today, there's a growing movement in cultural institutions in repatriating important historical artifacts to their country of origin upon request.

2025 Homecoming

Southampton is shortlisted for the UK City of Culture in 2025. A maritime city, a meeting point of rivers, a port for a thousand years, it's time Wavertree returned to her rightful home.

••• SIGN OUR PETITION •••

Help us return Wavertree to Southampton as part of City of Culture 2025 celebrations.

Website: returnthewavertree.com

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Contact: support@returnthewavertree.com

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