Name Speedwell

SPEEDWELL was originally built at Braunston for Union Canal Carriers as a hire boat by Braunston Boats Ltd. She was advertised as a Special Single Class Narrowboat/Tug. She went into private ownership in the eighties where she was moored at Reliance Wharf, Kingsland Basin.  During the 2000s she was moored at Pryford Marina on the River Wey.

By 2021 SPEEDWELL had changed ownership and was moored at Scrubbs Lane, London. She is now moored at Hillingdon Narrowboats Association at Harefield on the Southern Grand Union. The front cabin that originally housed an elsan with a sink and water has been sympathetically restored to a simple kitchen unit and small shower, She has the original engine installed and has been extremely well maintained. The original wooden gunwhales are still in place. There is little difference to the outside appearance of her, apart from she is now grey, and I believe she was originally green and red. In 2014 SPEEDWELL'S cabin was re-skinned by Simon Wain at Brinklow Boats. In 2019 Speedwell was overplated by MD Farrington, who is from Braunston.

Update, February 2024: Vessel for sale.