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FERNCLIFFE is a Humber Keel barge built by Richard Dunston of Thorne in 1925. She is of iron clinker construction and has a Rootes Lister Blackstone TS3 engine She was originally owned by Bleasdale's Shipping Company and used for transporting grain with her many sister ships whose names all had the suffix -cliffe. In 1957 all Bleasdale boats were taken over by the British Transport Commission for non payment of tolls and FERNCLIFFE was later sold to Waddingtons of Swinton who sold her on in 2007. She was bought by her current owner in 2010 and now lies in the River Medway. FERNCLIFFE has historical significance as an unaltered example of a Dunstons of Thorne Sheffield size Humber Keel.
Built by Richard Dunston of Thorne as a Cargo Vessel for Bleasdales Shipping Company to transport grain
When Bleasdales defaulted on their mortgage, the vessel was taken over by the British Transport Commission
Sold to Waddington’s of Swinton
Sold to another owner
Sold to present owner
Vessel is thought to be in poor condition on the Medway being restored
A Sustainability Award of £1000 towards new hatchboards and the cabin roof was made from the Strategic Development Fund of National Historic Ships. Grant withdrawn February 2012. Source: National Historic Ships
If you are the owner of this vessel and would like to provide more details or updated information, please contact info@nationalhistoricships.org.uk
National Historic Ships UK acknowledges the financial support of its sponsors