The stranding of King Orry, 1976

Glimpsed at the edge of a panoramic view in my gallery on Lancaster University in the mid-1970s, is what appears to be a small cruise ship- on dry land.

It is in fact the former Isle of Man ferry, King Orry

The vessel had been moored at Glasson Dock in preparation for decommissioning, but broke free in a storm early in 1976.

These pictures were taken around the first week of April, shortly before it was refloated.