The King Edward VII was built on the Tyne by J.P.Rennoldson, who were a major tug builder at that time.

In June 1901 the lastest addition to the Nicholson Towage fleet was announced in the Eastern Daily Press like THIS.

During her time with Nicholson Towage, she was active at Gt Yarmouth from 1901 to 1920 except for a stint with the Admiralty during the First World War.

The King Edward VII was designed for towing in the winter and pleasure trips in the summer, the steam powered paddle tug was powerful enough to tow up to a dozen fishing boats into the harbour during the fishing season at a time when most drifters and fishing boats went under sail.
However, even during summer the tug was available for towing when required such as in July 1901 when the Walton Belle got into trouble.

She was eventually sold to a South Shields company, Ridley Steam Tugs with whom she continued in service until 1952 when she was broken up.