Registration number 3650
Status Archived
paula.palmer

Details

Function Cargo Vessel
Subfunction Narrow Boat
Location NONE
Vessel type Canal Boat
Archive reason Disposed
Current use None
Available to hire No
Available for excursions No
Info required Yes

Construction

Builder Fellows, Morton & Clayton, Uxbridge
Built in 1935
Hull material Wood
Propulsion Motor
Primary engine type Diesel

Dimensions

Length: Overall
72.00 feet (21.95m)

History

BEECH was built by Fellow's, Morton & Clayton ltd, at their Uxbridge yard in 1935. While working for FMC she was paired with the butty ELSIE. She was in regular service with the company until the 1st of January 1949 when FMC were taken over the British transport commission. In 1962 she was bought by the Kennet Carrying Company where she was used to carry furniture between Shepperton and Shiplake on the River Thames. She later fell in to a state of disrepair and was then acquire by Ken Ward who tragically died before restoration was completed. She was restored at Charity Dock in 1986. Her original semi-diesel Bolinder engine is now in the boat museum at Stoke Bruerne.

BEECH was dismantled in 2020 at Langley Mill Boatyard in Derbyshire, on behalf of her then owners, the hull having been found to be totally rotten.  In the end only two of the planks were salvageable.  The boatyard recorded all details and with the exception of the shearing on the inside of the hull, have recycled or plan to recycle everything off her hull.  Although she won’t be floating, the spirit of the boat still lives on in various guises.  A fully photographic record of the dismantling was taken. 

Although this vessel has been disposed, we are lacking information on this particular vessel. If you have any information on this vessel past or present, please contact us.

Key dates

  • 1935

     Built by Fellow's, Morton & Clayton Ltd

  • 1962

    Bought by the Kennet Carrying Company

  • 1986

    Restored at Charity Dock in 1986.

     

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

More like this

Tortuga

Registered, built 1968 by Unknown

Ibex inside

Registered, built 1926 by Yarwood, W J & Sons Ltd, Northwich

Seven Ravens

Registered, built 1971 by Allen & Sons, Les, Oldbury

Speedwell bow facing

Archived, built 1971 by Braunston Boats Ltd