Traditional
Thames Boats
The
boating tradition on the Thames goes back centuries, but the golden age
for this stretch of the Middle Thames began in the Edwardian age. Anyone
who was anyone would escape London to cruise the tranquil
waters of the Thames in a range of magnificent boats, from simple
punts, skiffs and canoes, to elegant steam launches.
From the 1950's onwards the name of Andrews of Bourne End became synonymous with slipper stern launches and day launches
Now there are just a handful of master boatbuilders who maintain the highest standards of the tradition of Thames boats. Most notable is Peter Freebody and his family, whose boatyard at Hurley have been restoring and bulding traditional boats for many years.
Another of this group is Henwood & Dean based at Hambledon. Most notable of their restorations was the steam umpire launch Consuta
Stanley & Thomas of Windsor have a fine reputation for skilled craftsmanship and some magnificent boats for sale, as do brokers Hambleden Charters
On any day during the boating season you will see the many traditional boats still in operation on the river with their proud owners at the helm. But for a true experience of the range and beauty of these boats then the annual Traditional Boat Rally at Fawley Meadows near Henley is not to be missed, Equally the annual Beale Park boating weekend is attracting new crowds.
There are also a number of boat associations taht help with the preservation and enjoyment of these boats, most notably The Thames Vintage Boat Club and theThe Slipper Launch Collection and the Steam Boat Association. But for a sense of real history the biscuit goes to the Dunkirk Little Ships which can be regularly seen on the Thames.
