Share your memories of the Cutty Sark on 60th anniversary of its Greenwich arrival

On December 10 1954, the Cutty Sark was floated into the dry dock where she still stands today as one of London's most well known landmarks.

The tea clipper, on of Britain's fastest, was saved for the nation by retired sea captain Wilfred Dowman in 1922, going to be used as a training ship for officers in the Royal and Merchant Navy at Greenhithe and Falmouth.

But, due to the arrival of a newer training vessel, the ship was sent to London in 1951 for the festival of Britain, before returning to Greenhithe where campaigners became concerned she was heading for the scrapyard.

The Cutty Sark Society was formed and, just  just before the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip took possession of Cutty Sark on its behalf. 

And finally, in 1954, she was towed into a specially constructed dry dock at Greenwich where she remains - a favourite of tourists, history buffs, school trips and TV viewers who watch London Marathon runner jog around it each year.

Curator Jessica Lewis from Royal Museums Greenwich explained: "The area where Cutty Sark Gardens now is had suffered extensive bomb damage in the Second World War and had been earmarked for redevelopment.

"The reason why the ship was brought here was obviously to reflect the maritime heritage of Greenwich but also to reflect the Merchant Navy in Greenwich too and the losses suffered in two world wars.

"There were even discussions about which way she was going to face - inland as if at port or facing the river."

Since her official opening by The Queen - broadcast live on the BBC - the ship has been visited by 15 million people.

During a £25m restoration, a massive fire broke out in 2007 which made headlines across the globe. But the ship survived and, controversially hoisted up to create a visitor space beneath, was re-opened in 2012 - again by The Queen.

Now Royal Museums Greenwich is collecting people's memories of the ships - which are now far likely to be about its time in south east London as its time at sea.

Ms Lewis said: "The ship really has become very established as part of Greenwich and part of the London skyline. It's interesting - she's been part of London longer than as a sailing vessel now."

The anniversary will be marked with an invitation-only Tea and Memories event at the ship on Wednesday (December 10).

For those not attending, join the online conversation #CuttySark60, the Facebook group or Twitter account @Cutty Sark