Sponsors
National Historic Ships UK acknowledges the financial support of its sponsors
Registration number
1958
Status
Registered
a12admin
Details
Function
Cargo Vessel
Subfunction
Barge
Location
Greenwich
Vessel type
Commissioners Barge
Current use
Museum based
Available to hire
No
Available for excursions
No
Web address
www.nmm.ac.uk
Construction
Hull material
Wood
Rig
None
Number of decks
1
Propulsion
Manpower
Primary engine type
None
Boiler type
None
Boilermaker
None
Dimensions
Breadth: Beam
6.80 feet
(2.07m)
Depth
2.00 feet
(0.61m)
Length: Overall
45.20 feet
(13.79m)
History
This eighteenth century barge was rowed with five oars and was used to transport naval officials from their office near the Tower of London to the Royal Dockyards at Deptford and Woolwich. These dockyards were directly administered by the Navy Board, unlike other Royal yards which had their own resident commissioners. The poor state of the roads at that time meant the river was a faster and more convenient means of getting to the docks.
The lines of this barge are fuller than those of the similar Admiralty barge and she also does not have the cabin which is provided on the Admiralty barge for the protection of the passengers.
Key dates
-
1863
Sent to Chatham when use of Commissioner’s Barges was discontinued
-
1932
First moves by the NMM to acquire vessel
-
1935
Letter from the Secretary of the Admiral Superintendent effectively making the vessel a gift
-
1956
Vessel transported Cory’s Barge Works for refit
-
1957
Vessel placed in New Barge House
-
1957
Vessel transferred to the National Maritime Museum
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
