The Corporation of Trinity House, London, operates a fleet of Trinity House Vessels dedicated to servicing aids to navigation in the North Sea and English Channel. THV Patricia served as the flagship of the Elder Brethren of Trinity House for 40 years, playing a significant role in maritime operations during that period.

In 1940, Patricia assisted in the opening of the Iceland Naval base and acted as a pathfinder for 'Route X,' the shortest safe route to Dunkirk. Following the German surrender, she was instrumental in re-establishing the Channel Islands' lights. On numerous occasions, Patricia fulfilled the role of Royal Escort, a long-standing privilege of the Elder Brethren's flagship. Notably, she replaced the Royal Yacht when Prince Philip traveled to the Olympic Games in Scandinavia in 1952 and participated in many ceremonial events.

Patricia was retired in 1982 and converted into a restaurant in Sweden. Her tender, also named Patricia, was sold into private ownership. During the Dunkirk evacuation, the tender ferried troops from the beaches while the parent ship, which was bombed shortly thereafter, remained offshore to receive and repatriate them.

After passing through two previous owners, Kenneth and Phyllis Brewer purchased the tender in 1986, keeping her near Boston in Lincolnshire until selling her to a Mr. Staniforth around 1995 or 1996. At that time, the vessel required restoration and was taken to Newson’s yard in Oulton Broad, near Lowestoft on the East Coast, where she was placed on hard-standing. Restoration was intended to be carried out by Mr. Staniforth’s brother; however, following his death, the vessel was left to deteriorate further.

In mid-1998, ownership transferred to Keith Slaughter. By then, Patricia was in very poor condition, prompting a comprehensive restoration effort. The restoration progressed steadily with the goal of preparing the vessel for the 60th anniversary return in June 2000.