Registration number 1958
Status Registered
adminnhs
Barge - starboard side

Details

Function Passenger 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

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