Name: Edith MayCertificate number: 2110 |
Status:Function:Sub Functional Area:Type:Spritsail Barge Location:Lower Halstow, Kent, England Current use:Undergoing Restoration
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Web address
Builder
- 1906, John Howard, Maldon,
History
Built in 1906 by J & H Cann of Harwich, a spritsail barge of timber construction and a Ford diesel engine of 120 hp. Her working life was spent on the East Coast carrying grain. She was derigged after World War II and traded as a motor barge until 1961. Later she was rerigged by Vernon Harvey and became one of the most successful racing barges of the post-trade era. She was sold and moved to Liverpool during the 1980s before returning to the East Coast in 1990. She sat in St Katherines Dock, London for several years and deteriorated before moving to the Medway where she was bought by her present owner in 1999. There followed a major restoration project which is now nearing completion. The EDITH MAY was regarded as the finest and fastest barge in the fleet. She is a link to the past for the community of Lower Halstow where she is being rebuilt: The village was built around Eastwoods brickworks and a fleet of barges operated out of the dock there.
These brief histories are compiled from details supplied by vessel owners and enthusiasts and from various reference works. National Historic Ships would be grateful for any corrections of facts or additional information for inclusion. Please contact ron.ellis@nationalhistoricships.org.uk