A drawing showing the main parts of the Mars
The Mars at anchor off Woodhaven. Note Dundee and the Law in the smog.
An interesting view showing the Mars superimposed on today's view from Woodhaven
The full ship's complement - boys and crew around 1870
A view of the lower decks showing the sinks for washing and, at the far end, the plates and bowls laid out for mealtime in the refectory
The Francis Molison was used to provide the Mars boys with more seagoing skills and nautical experience. Here they show off their agility as they take up their positions all over the ship's masts and rigging.
The Mars Training Ship and one of the ship's boats rowed by a team of the boys.
The Mars training ship from Woodhaven pier, where some of the ship's crew are casting off in their boat.
Clearly a special occasion as top-hatted well-dressed visitors depart the Mars. The ship is bedecked in bunting and the boys are showing off their rigging-climbing skills.
These photographs were taken in St Mary's Church in Newport. Many of the Mars boys attended church there and left their marks on the church pews! Each boy was only known by a number while on board ship, so in many cases that's all they carved, as in the first two photographs. 36, 38 and ...
Toy car lent to exhibition 2016. Label reads: "Toy car which belonged to John Berry. Made in woodwork shop under the direction of Mr Burns of the Mars Training Ship. The ship was anchored off Woodhaven, Newport and provided training for the Merchant Navy for underprivileged boys until 1929, when the ship was towed away and broken ...
Wooden chess box made by the Mars boys in the workshops.
Wooden crumb tray made by Mars boys.
This wooden paper knife was made by the Mars boys in their workshops.
These wooden stools were made by the Mars boys in their workshops.
A wintry view from West Newport looking past the Mars training ship towards the new railway bridge. Probably photographed around 1890.
Four postcard views of St Fort House, Mars Training Ship and Newport from Highfield, Wormit.
A view of the Mars training ship from Woodhaven pier c. 1890. The young local lads swimming off the end of the pier must have wondered what life on board was like.
Photograph of a watercolour of the Mars from the east
A photograph of the Mars boys learning lathe skills.
Diet sheet showing the rations the Mars boys received. The diet was limited and unvarying, carbohydrate heavy but sustaining. No emphasis on five a day in those days.
Wooden nodding parrot toy made by Mars boys.
Set of four photos of the Mars training ship and some of the Mars boys (framed).
