New role for QE2’s anchor

The centrepiece of Southampton’s QE2 Mile, a pedestrian route linking the city’s Cenotaph with the waterfront at Town Quay, will be unveiled tomorrow.
A 13-ton anchor from the ship has been set in the walkway at Holy Rood Place, outside the church which has been a memorial to Merchant Navy sailors since 1957
Councillor Royston Smith, Leader of Southampton City Council, said: “Cunard’s generous gift has finally been given an appropriate home in Southampton. Not only will it add an important heritage site to the city, it will also raise the profile of the QE2 Mile and ultimately attract more people to Southampton’s Old Town.
Peter Shanks, Cunard President and Managing Director, added: “QE2 called at her home port of Southampton more times than any other port during her long and illustrious career so it is entirely fitting for there to be such a tribute to her in her home city.
“The anchor and the designated QE2 Mile will ensure that her legacy in Southampton will endure for many years to come.”
The route of the QE2 Mile takes in the city’s parks, high street shopping, old town and the waterfront. As well as the anchor, it also includes the Titanic memorial, Holy Rood Church, the Watergate, the medieval vaults and the Bargate.
QE2 made her maiden voyage from Southampton to New York on May 2, 1969. She sailed from the city for the last time in November 2008 and is currently laid up in Dubai, awaiting conversion into a floating hotel.