SSBR’s new book has details of 4,860 Thames barges

SSBR has published a new book, which looks to become the standard work of reference for anyone wanting to find information about Thames sailing barges.

In 2012 we produced “The Sailing Barge Compendium” which contained details of over 2,000 sailing barges.   It is still in print and has been widely used by those who sail the remaining barges and by those who just love to see them or have memories of them.   It was compiled by the late John White, Hon Secretary of SSBR, who continued to mine the records and search for more vessels.   In the end he had data on 4,860 of these old ladies covering the period from the 18th century to the last ones built in the 1930s.

Work began on editing the new book, called “The Thames Sailing Barge Directory”, which includes as much as is known of the British spritsail barge fleet data.   The information extracted from the Merchant Navy Lists and other sources going back to the 18th century provides, where known, a vessel’s name, Official Number, Port of Registry, builder, build date and location, ownership details, some masters’ names, and in some cases ultimate fate.

Richard Walsh undertook the editing, and has produced the Directory in two volumes, A – K and L – Z, with just under 500 pages in A3 landscape format.   The 4,860 entries vary from those with little more than a vessel’s name to those with full comprehensive details.   The pair of volumes come in a case lid box for safe-keeping and distribution and weigh a fraction under 5kg.   The price is £60 plus postage and packing.

Sadly, John died unexpectedly before the publication date, but the Directory is a fitting memorial to him, and a magnificent pair of books for any barge enthusiast to own.

To purchase a set of these two splendid books, please contact Don Wright, our Hon Curator & Archivist, at:-  saltcotebelle@gmail.com or use the Contact Form on this website.

£60  plus  postage  and  packing