SB Ironsides

Ironsides is an iron-hulled Thames barge which was built in 1900 for APCM. She was registered in London. A 60 hp auxiliary engine was fitted in 1939.^[1]

Ironsides in Gillingham 2017
History
United Kingdom
Owner	APCM Associated Portland Cement (1900-1928) London and Rochester Trading Company (1928-1967) Maurice O'Gill Alan Reeky 1967
Builder	Clarke & Stanfield, Grays, Essex
Launched	May 1900
Identification	United Kingdom Official Number 112271
General characteristics
Class and type	Thames barge
Tonnage	78 GRT
Length	84 feet (25.60 m)
Beam	20.3 feet (6.19 m)
Draught	6.4 feet (1.95 m)
Propulsion	Sails
Sail plan	Spritsail
Notes	Website=https://ironsidessailingbarge.co.uk/

Description

Ironsides is 84 feet (25.60 m) long, with a beam of 20.3 feet (6.19 m) and a draught of 6.4 feet (1.95 m)

History

Ironsides was built by Clarke & Stanfield, Grays, Essex in 1900 for the Associated Portland Cement and carried stone from Portland to London under sail alone. In 1928 she was sold to the London and Rochester Trading Company, who with 120 barges were the second largest barge owner in the country. Currently (2018) Ironsides is based in Faversham off the Swale estuary. She does passenger charters along the Thames Estuary and the London River from Aldeburgh in Suffolk to Whitstable on the North Kent Coast. She sails from Maldon, Pin Mill, Chatham and London.^[2]

See also

• List of active Thames sailing barges