Registration number 457
Status National Historic Fleet
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5 historic vessels led by Governor
GOVERNOR aloft
Governor from starboard side
Governor - starboard side

Details

Function Service Vessel
Subfunction Tug
Location Staffs and Worcester Canal
Current use Private use
Available to hire No
Available for excursions No
Info required Yes

Construction

Builder Harris Brothers, Netherton
Built in 1941
Hull material Iron
Rig None
Number of decks 1
Propulsion Motor
Number of engines 1
Primary engine type Diesel
Boiler type None
Boilermaker None

Dimensions

Breadth: Beam
6.39 feet (1.95m)
Depth
2.98 feet (0.91m)
Length: Overall
44.98 feet (13.72m)

History

This Ex-BON rivetted iron ice-boat tug was one of 16 built as Bumble Hole in Netherton, near Dudley, by Messrs. William harris and Sons in the early 1940's. It worked through the Second World War for the James Yates Company at Cannock pulling coal butties to Wolverhampton. In 1950, it was maquired by Alfred Matty and Sons Ltd of Tipton and worked with other company tugs OXFORD, ATLANTIC, AND PACIFIC on the BCN. Mat's finished in the mid-1970's to become the crane hire company Dewsbury and Proud.

The bare hull of GOVERNOR lay on the canal-side at the Matty basin in Coseley for many years then in 1986 it was retsored with a steel cabin and a Gardner 3LW engine and gearbox. The present livery is from 1950, but it had two very different liveries after this one. 

GOVERNOR is fitted with creature comforts to cruise the system for six months every year.

As of May 2023 she has new owners

We are lacking information on this vessel.  if you have any dewtails please contact us

Key dates

  • 1941

    Vessel built for James Yates’ boat company of Norton Canes by Harris Brothers, Netherton
  • 1950

    Sold to Alfred Matty & Sons Ltd of Tipton, for use by the Governor of the Company
  • 1980s

    Sold into private ownership and refurbished
  • 1995-6

    Sold again and totally refitted

Grants

  • April 2008

    A Sustainability Grant of £1500 for hull work was made from the Strategic Development Fund of National Historic Ships

Own this vessel?

If you are the owner of this vessel and would like to provide more details or updated information, please contact info@nationalhistoricships.org.uk