The Thames Barge

The basic 'barge design' developed to meet the needs of commercial activity in a given area, gained their own descriptive names and became specifically associated with that area. One of the most well-known 'barge types' is that of the Thames Barge. It was a flat-bottomed boat and, to utilise wind-power, had sails, usually two masts, and leeboards. It was usually ketch or yawl-rigged. Thames Barges were of two distinctive types, the earlier, Western Barges had a long history going back to the Middle Ages. They traded in the upper reaches of the River Thames as far as Oxford and the West. They could reach deep into the countryside along the Thames and its narrow tributaries, to collect, amongst other things, hay or building and brickmaking materials. These vessels had a only a single mast, which could be dropped to pass under bridges, and were towed from the masthead by several horses and/or men. They survived only into the first half of the 19th century as a result of competition from the railways, water conservation measures and their relatively large size and deeper draught.

The Thames Spritsail Barges proved to be more adaptable and their commercial use survived well into the 20th century. They were usually operated by only two men and had a shallow draught that enabled them to work comfortable in the Thames Estuary shuttling freight from the city to the coastal port. This design of Thames Barge had leeboards which enabled it to take full advantage of the wind in its sails. The barges normally operated in estuaries and the more shallow, coastal waters although some did cross to European ports. Cargoes were heavy goods such as clay, bricks, sand, coal and grain. Like the narrowboats, there was minimal living accommodation, with most of the boat being given over to a large cargo hold. The basic design varied, again, depending on the industrial demands of the age, the variety of freight carried, and whether or not the boat would venture out onto the sea and along the coast. A great deal of trade between London and East Anglian ports, was conducted by Thames Spritsail Barges. However, like so many other coastal, and inland waterways transport systems, the slower movement of goods on water gave way to the speedier rail and then road networks. Today the Thames Barge is a much loved reminder of our industrial heritage and enjoys a new popularity in the leisure industry..

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