Name Severn Progress

1.      What is the vessel’s ability to demonstrate history in her physical fabric?

Evidence for designs, functions, techniques, processes, styles, customs and habits or uses and associations in relation to events and people.  How early, intact or rare these features may impact on significance.

SEVERN PROGRESS is a steel, single-decked, single screw River Severn tug.  Originally named PROGRESS, this tug was built in 1931 by Charles Hill & Sons of Bristol. The Severn and Canal Carrying Company commissioned the vessel. PROGRESS, with her sister ship ENTERPRISE, was designed to work on the river above Gloucester towing trains of dumb barges, fuel tanker barges and narrow boats to and from Worcester and Gloucester.

The original engine was a Kromhout semi-diesel which was replaced with a Lister diesel engine. The vessel’s superstructure was adapted and improved during its long working life. The wheelhouse was not part of the original construction, with the steering position in an open well space. 

The vessel has undergone some adaptation over the years, to suit the type of work undertaken, with some features missing and others added. The vessel’s hull is significantly intact and the external condition is largely as constructed. It remains in good condition, with any changes under control of an ongoing Conservation Management Plan.

2.      What are the vessel’s associational links for which there is no physical evidence? 

Associations with people or places.  Off-ship research.

SEVERN PROGRESS typically towed vessels from Gloucester to Worcester, or Stourport. This included loaded dumb barges with a number of differing cargoes including corn, timber and petroleum. The vessel was based at the Ship Inn and tows were normally picked up after they had passed through the Gloucester lock on the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal. 

In 1934 PROGRESS was renamed SEVERN PROGRESS to match the other motor vessels entering service on the river. The tug became part of the British Waterways fleet after nationalisation of the canals in 1948, continuing to work on the River Severn until commercial traffic died out in the late 1960s.  She then moved to assist with maintenance work between Hanham Lock and Bath on the Kennet & Avon Canal.  After a working life of 60 years, in 1991, SEVERN PROGRESS became part of the collection of Canal and River Trust and is now displayed at the National Waterways Museum, Gloucester.

SEVERN PROGRESS is of great local significance to the Gloucester area, providing a historical link to the trade and commerce once found on the River Severn and the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal.  She is a strong example of this type of working craft, local to the River Severn, with a long and well documented working life.  She was recorded on the National Register of Historic Vessels in 1996 and is a member of the National Historic Fleet.

3.      How does the vessel’s shape or form combine and contribute to her function?

Overall aesthetic impact of the vessel, her lines, material she was built from and her setting.  Does she remain in her working environment?

SEVERN PROGRESS’ design as a single-decked, single screw, canal tug meant that she was very well-fitted for her original intended purpose. Modifications and adaptations made as a result of her later role assisting with maintenance work on the Kennet & Avon Canal also enabled her to cope with changing circumstances and operational conditions.        

The vessel’s original 100-bhp Kromhout semi-diesel engine, later replaced by the Lister diesel, gave it substantial pulling power. Although designed for practicality rather than appearance, her pale blue superstructure and black hull nevertheless gives her a distinctive appearance.                                                                                                                                      

SEVERN PROGRESS is currently located afloat at the Canal and River Trust Museum in Gloucester on the waterways where she once worked. 

Source; Canal & River Trust, November 2024