Taunton | National Historic Ships

Registration number 2341

Status Archived

a12admin

Previous names

1960 Drake

Details

Function Cargo Vessel

Subfunction Narrow Boat

Location Tring

Vessel type Butty

Archive reason More information required

Current use Ongoing conservation

Available to hire No

Available for excursions No

Info required Yes

Construction

Builder Walker, W H & Brothers, Rickmansworth

Built in 1937

Hull material Wood

Rig None

Number of decks 1

Propulsion Towed

Primary engine type None

Boiler type None

Boilermaker None

Dimensions

Breadth: Beam

6.90 feet (2.10m)

Length: Overall

72.00 feet (21.96m)

History

TAUNTON is a towed narrowboat of timber construction, oak and elm. She was built by Walkers Brothers of Rickmansworth in 1937 for the Grand Union Canal Carrying Company and paired with TARPORLEY. She was bought by Willow Wren in 1960 and renamed DRAKE. She was then used as a houseboat until 2009, when she was bought by her present owner who re-caulked and blacked her in September 2009. Further restoration was proceeding at time of registration in 2010.

Since then, it's been reported the vessel was taken under the ownership of the Canal River Trust and is in a poor state at Bates Boatyard in Tring, Hertfordshire.

Although this vessel has been disposed,we are lacking information in order to update her record. If you have any past information, please contact us.

Key dates

1937
Narrow boat built by Walker Bros. for the GUCCC and paired with Tarporley
1960
Bought by Willow Wren and named DRAKE
2009
Found as sunken hull and bought by Hannah Driscoll with intention of full restoration
2013
Vessel sold to new owner
2014
Vessel found sunk and derelict with bow split open on River Lee at Hackney Marshes
2015?
Vessel broken up and removed by Canal and River Trust