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 From
manufacturer to market, farmer to miller, brickmaker to bricklayer,
barges moved the necessities of life from one place to another
around the coast. Thousands were built during the 18th, 19th
and 20th centuries and at their height as many as 3,500 were
trading together in the creeks and rivers of the south east
of England. Fortunately a number of examples survive in active
commission to the present day, and the remains of many more
lay mouldering in remote saltings as nature reclaims their
rotting timbers and the creatures of the seashore make these
remains their habitat. This book, evocatively illustrated
by the pen of George Skidmore, identifies the builders of
these craft and tells of their history.  Included
are plans showing the location of many of the barges and barge
remains mentioned, along with map references. The details
of craft include date of build, ownership and subsequent fate.
Much recorded here is a snapshot in time, for the fortunes
of the vessels mentioned may change active craft damaged
beyond repair and abandoned, some seemingly abandoned now
the basis of restoration projects.
Specification: Size 148 x 210 (A5 Landscape), 80 pages,
26 drawings, 13 maps, perfect bound with card covers.
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