Registration number 2439
Status Archived
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Details

Function Cargo Vessel
Subfunction Barge
Location NONE
Vessel type Kent Brick Barge
Archive reason Disposed
Current use None
Available to hire No
Available for excursions No

Construction

Builder White, A M, Conyer
Built in 1900
Hull material Wood
Rig Spritsail
Number of decks 1
Number of masts 2
Propulsion Sail
Boiler type None
Boilermaker None

Dimensions

Breadth: Beam
18.00 feet (5.49m)
Depth
5.00 feet (1.53m)
Length: Overall
80.00 feet (24.40m)
Tonnage: Gross
46.00

History

WESTMORELAND was built in 1900 by A. M. White, in Conyer, Kent and is believed to be the only remaining Kent brick barge.

From 1900 to 1955, she carried bricks for Eastwoods Brickmakers from Lower Halstow to expanding Victorian London.  Between 1955 and 1963, she was maintained by the company purely for racing in the Thames and Medway commercial matches.

Ownership transferred to the Thames Barge Sailing Club in June 1963 who maintained and sailed her until she broke her back in 1973 at Hoo.  The wreck was then sold and towed to Faversham for rebuilding.  Substantial work was undertaken but never completed.  At the time of registration, she was seeking funds for a full rebuild to restore her to full sailing condition as a reminder of our significant industrial past, and particularly her relevance to the local heritage at Lower Halstow and surrounding ports.

In 2020 this vessel was deconstructed and preserved by photographic record.  In December 2020 it was reported that significant elements of the vessel have been identified for display or reuse and her dry dock is now used to facilitate the conservation of RAYBEL, a registered historic Thames Sailing Barge. 

This craft is a previously registered historic vessel which no longer survives.  At the time of its loss, the vessel details were entered on the National Archive of Historic Vessels.  If you are aware of any information, images, sources or other material relating to this vessel, please contact us: info@nationalhistoricships.org.uk 

 

Key dates

  • 1900

    Built by A.M. White in Conyer, Kent

  • 1900-1955

    Carried bricks for Eastwoods Brickmakers from Lower Halstow to London

  • 1955-1963

    Maintained by company for racing in the Thames and Medway commercial matches

  • 1963

    Ownership transferred to Thames Barge Sailing Club

  • 1973

    Maintained and sailed until she broke her back at Hoo

  • 1973

    Wreck sold and towed to Faversham for rebuilding. Substantial work undertaken but not completed

  • 2011

    Seeking funds for full rebuild to restore her to full sailing condition

     

  • 2020

    Vessel deconstructed

Grants

  • 2013/14

    The Heritage Lottery Fund awarded £3800 for restoration work

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