Registration number 2079
Status Registered
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Varlet - on the Thames in Central London, starboard side
Varlet at the Museum in Docklands, West India Dock

Details

Function Service Vessel
Subfunction Tug
Location Poplar
Vessel type Jubilee Class Tug
Current use Museum based
Available to hire No
Available for excursions No
Web address https://www.trinitybuoywharf.com/

Construction

Builder Pollock, J Son & Co Ltd, Faversham
Built in 1937
Hull material Steel
Rig None
Number of decks 1
Number of masts 1
Propulsion Motor
Number of engines 1
Primary engine type Inboard diesel
Boiler type None
Boilermaker None

Dimensions

Breadth: Beam
10.50 feet (3.20m)
Depth
4.10 feet (1.25m)
Length: Overall
41.00 feet (12.51m)
Tonnage: Gross
13.00

History

Built in 1937 by James Pollock Sons & Co. Limited of Faversham, VARLET is a Jubilee class tug of steel construction with a diesel engine by Widdop & Co. Limited of Keighley. She was built for the London lighterage company Vokins & Co. and was used in the West India and Royal Docks and on the River Lea. During World War II, she worked up to Henley on Thames. Continuing to work until the early 1980s, she entered the Museum of London collection on 5 August 1986.

In November 2016, she was acquired by Trinity Buoy Wharf.

Key dates

  • 1937

    Built by James Pollock Sons & Co. Limited of Faversham as a Jubilee class tug
  • 1939-45

    During the Second World War she worked up to Henley on Thames
  • 1950s

    Used by London Lighterage Co. Vokins in West India and Royal Docks and River Lea 
  • early 1980s

    She continued in service as a tug until the early 1980s
  • 1986

    Acquired by Museum of London and joined their collection
  • 2016

    Vessel acquired by the Trinity Buoy Wharf Trust

Own this vessel?

If you are the owner of this vessel and would like to provide more details or updated information, please contact info@nationalhistoricships.org.uk