Registration number 1963
Status Registered
a12admin

Previous names

  • 1868 - 1904 North Star

Details

Function Service Vessel
Subfunction Icebreaker
Location Hartley
Current use Ongoing conservation
Available to hire No
Available for excursions No

Construction

Builder Birmingham Canal Navigations Company, Birmingham
Built in 1868
Rig None
Number of decks 1
Propulsion Motor
Number of engines 1
Primary engine type Inboard
Boiler type None
Boilermaker None

Dimensions

Breadth: Beam
7.00 feet (2.14m)
Depth
2.30 feet (0.70m)
Length: Overall
40.00 feet (12.20m)

History

SAMSON was built in 1868 at Ocker Hill, Birmingham, by the Birmingham Canal Navigation Company, who employed her as an ice breaker until 1904. She was then sold to Stourbridge Canal Company whose own ice breaker had decayed beyond repair. SAMSON underwent some major repairs in 1928 and 1932. In 1940, she was also taken back to Ocker Hill for repairs and moved to Walsall, where she re-entered the service. Her last official record of work was in 1962, following which she was sent to Bradley for disposal. However, she ended up being sold along with two other ice boats. In 1967, she was purchased by D. Vickers for £200 and taken to Guildford. There she was converted to a pleasure boat and kept as such until 1987. In 1998, she was bought by the current owner who is now restoring her in keeping with her origins. Despite the repairs during her career, SAMSON has retained much of her original timber and is the oldest surviving wooden narrowboat to have done this. About half the planking is still in place, the keelson and some of the frames. She is also unique in design. The remains of ice boats PARRY (1895) and NORTH STAR II (1904) are the most similar contemporary vessels in existence today, but considerable differences can still be seen between the three.

Grants

  • 2007

    A Conference & Training Bursary of ú1022 to attend a blacksmithing course, training them in maintaining the vessel, was awarded 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