Name Bellatrix

Built in 1935 by W J Yarwood of Northwich for the Grand Union Canal Carrying Company, BELLATRIX is a narrow boat of composite construction with a diesel engine by Russell of Newbury, model DM2. In 1938, she was sold by the GUCCC to Wulfuna Coal Company at Wolverhampton and used as a tug, towing two boats from the Cannock coalfields on a daily basis. She was bought by her present owner in 1965 and converted into a passenger boat on the Staffs and Worcs Canal.

In 1983 she was restored to her original condition and has since visited museums and waterside events and does so to the present day. She is as near to her original condition as possible, retaining most of her original fittings and her original engine.