Lifebelt from the Clio training ship moored in the Menai Strait from 1877-1920. The Clio was a training ship aimed to provide boys of a poorer background with the skills necessary for life at sea. It was also a reformatory school for delinquent boys between the ages of 12 to 16.
The Clio arrived in the Menai Straits on Saturday, August 7th, 1877 under Captain Moger RN of Gresford. It followed two and a half years of planning and discussion as to the desirability and location of an industrial training ship for North Wales. There was strong support among the local gentry, including Lord Penrhyn, the Bishop of Bangor and local MPs for the Straits location.
Life aboard the Clio would have been hard and routine was essential to keep order on a ship which usually accommodated between 200-300 boys. The boys were divided into two Watches, these being Port and Starboard and then into five classes according to age and followed the curriculum during the day.
In addition to their classes to develop basic skills, the boys on The Clio would also have to work for lengthy hours and would rise at five o’ clock each morning. Their responsibilities / activities included – cleaning the ship, practising their maritime skills, eg rope knots, sailing, compass, geography, rowing, mending sails and clothes, drill exercises and ‘lifeboat practice’. There is also evidence that they swam and practised brass instruments.
There are articles in Welsh newspapers from the period about fatal accidents and events aboard the ship. The Clio, and other industrial training ships, were viewed as a being a means by which to house and educate boys who needed both shelter and guidance if they appeared to be approaching a life of ill-discipline and anti-social behaviour. Only a small proportion of the Clio’s residents were local boys.