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Name: Shirley

Certificate number: 676

Status:

Registered

Function:

Cargo Vessel

Sub Functional Area:

Barge

Type:

Narrow Boat

Location:

Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, England

Current use:

Private: In Commission

  • Length on the Waterline:

    20.91 metres (68.55 feet)

  • Length Overall:

    21.82 metres (71.54 feet)

  • Gross Tonnage:

    50.00

  • Net Tonnage:

    15.00

  • Depth Hold:

    1.49 metres (4.89 feet)

  • Draught:

    0.88 metres (2.89 feet)

  • Maximum Breadth:

    2.15 metres (7.05 feet)
Shirley - SHIRLEY - on the mooring on the Slough Arm, Grnad Union Canal, Inver, Buckinghamshire. Stern from port quarter looking forward.

Web address

Builder

History

Built 1936 by W J Yarwood & Sons of Northwich, Cheshire, a cargo carrying narrowboat built for the Grand Union Canal Carrying Company. Constructed of riveted steel, she has an 18hp National DM2 diesel engine.

As one of 38 similar boats built by Yarwoods and known as a ‘Large Northwich’, SHIRLEY was built to a larger specification than previously and carried more cargo. The GUCCC fleet passed to the British Transport Commission on nationalisation in 1948 which in turn became the British Waterways Board in 1962. Between 1963 and 1970 she was on loan to Willow Wren Canal Transport, for some time carrying wheat on the River Nene.

In the early 1970s she passed into private ownership and was converted to a houseboat. Between the 1970s and 1994 she was renamed HALIFAX before reverting to her original name.

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