Name Uranus

The exact build date for narrow boat URANUS is 03/09/1935.  She was built by Harland & Wolff as a Small Woolwich Star Class butty for The Grand Union Canal Carrying Company (G.U.C.C.C), Fleet Number 380, she was registered at Brentford Number 529, Grand Union Guaging Number 12486.  URANUS was originally paired with motor boat Plato, G.U.C.C.C Fleet Number 75.

After the G.U.C.C.C ceased trading in 1947, Uranus was owned briefly by H Dean & Son before being passed on to renowned carrier and campaigner for the Preservation of Britain's inland waterways, Sir John Knill as his first butty, paired with motor boat Columba, another G.U.C.C.C Star Class.  During this time  Uranus' cargoes, or "loads" in narrow boat terms were very varied including aluminium on the Shropshire Union Canal, coal from the Newdigate Colliery on the Coventry Canal to Dickinsons paper mill at Croxley on the Grand Union Canal and dates to the HP sauce factory in Birmingham.

In 1955, Sir John Knill sold his entire fleet to the Samuel Barlow Coal Co Ltd Birmingham where she was paired with motor boat Benbow and she carried for Barlows until 1960.

During the next decade and a half, URANUS changed hands several tines both for commercial and private use.  Sadly, at some point during this period she was damaged by fire whilst in a shed at Preston Brook. 

In 1976, URANUS was purchased by Mr & Mrs Aldridge who used her as a private vessel for 42 years.  During this time she underwent many changes.  The boat had by now been fully cabined over her hold and a Thornycroft engine installed.  As URANUS still had her original butty stern she did not handle well after being motorised and so the rear 8 foot  section of the boat was removed (later to become the bows of narrow boat Hineroa) and a proper motor counter added by the distinguished boat builder, restored and historic narrow boat enthusiast, Malcolm Braine, who also removed the elm bottom as it was no longer viable and replaced with 10mm steel.  There was also an engine change to a Lister FR3. 

In 1996 the wooden cabin was replaced with steel at Norton Canes Boat Builders based on the Cannock Extention Canal.

Although having undergone some alterations, the vast majority of URANUS' hull is absolutely original from the day she was built.

Since 2018  URANUS has taken part in many historic boat and heritage transport events.