Ideas and theories about the commercial success of the Thames Barge will be floated at the next meeting of Watford National Trust Association.
The Thames sailing barge was a commercial sailing boat common on the River Thames in London in the 19th century. The flat-bottomed barges were perfectly adapted to the Thames Estuary, with its shallow waters and narrow rivers.
The barges also traded much further afield, to the north of England, the South Coast and even to continental European ports.
Cargoes varied from bricks, mud, hay, rubbish, sand, coal and grain and very often they were sailed by a crew of just two people.
The presentation at the Stanborough Centre in St Albans Road, Watford, will be given by Tony Earl from 8pm on Thursday, February 5.
Admission costs £2 for non members.
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