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Name: Iona

Certificate number: 271

Status:

Registered

Function:

Cargo Vessel

Sub Functional Area:

Barge

Type:

Narrow Boat

Location:

Godalming, Surrey, England

Current use:

Commercial trade

  • Length Overall:

    21.34 metres (69.96 feet)

  • Tonnage Not Known:

    0.00

  • Depth Not Known:

    0.00 (0.00 )

  • Breadth Not Known:

    0.00 (0.00 )
Sorry, no image available

Web address

http://www.horseboat.org.uk

Builder

History

IONA is a horse drawn vessel built in 1935 as BELLERPHON by Harland and Wollf for the Grand Union Canal Carrying Company. She is a small Woolwich Star Class Butty originally paired with BOOTES carrying coal, lime juice, chocolate crumb and steel billets.

From 1958 to 1963, she was paired with BANSTEAD and during this time was used for the film 'The Barge' with Harry H Corbet, Ronnie Barker, Eric Sykes. In 1963, she was bought at Hillmorton Locks for the Shropshire Union Cruises to replace the old wooden IONA, and was renamed at this time.

From 1968 to 1969, she was converted to a trip boat and appeared in an episode of Coronation Street. Between 1969 - 1985, she worked as a horse drawn trip boat at Norbury Junction. In 1985, she was brought down by lorry to the Wey navigation at Godalming to work as a horse drawn trip boat, as she does today.

IONA's traditional painting has been retained today. She is now fitted with a tea bar in the shell of the boatman's cabin, and has seating for 48 passengers. There is toilet on board. She is based at Godalming and cruises on the River Wey.

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

Subsequent developments

None notified, please let us know if you have any additional information.

Previous names

Bibliography