Name Addie

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 are may impact on significance.

ADDIE was built in 1915 by Isaac Abdela & Mitchel of Brimscombe as a tug of steel plate construction.  Originally fitted with a steam engine, a Ruston & Hornsby 6-cylinder diesel was installed in the 1940s and she now has twin Sabre Marine diesels.  In the 1960s, she was converted to a houseboat with the addition of an aft cabin and the transformation of internal spaces into living accommodation with disabled access which required significant adaptations. In 1985, she underwent major work including hull plating, replacement of topsides, complete internal refit from a bare hull and conversion from single to twin screw engine.  In 2011, further work was carried out including repairs to the rudder, various rivet heads, fitting of a rope fender and the reconditioning of the hydraulic steering.  The funnel and fore winch appear to be original, as is the wheelhouse, wheel and steam horn, although the funnel has undergone some changes to convert it for venting.   The deck fittings are either original or from her working days.

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

evidence?

Associations with people or places.  Off-ship research.

ADDIE operated as a tug in the Bristol Channel and Severn Estuary until 1943, when she was sold to the Sharpness Docks & Gloucester & Birmingham Navigation Company who later became the British Transport Commission in 1948.  Due to her large size, she was part-fabricated at Brimscombe, then transported by canal to the Saul Davis shipyard on the Gloucester to Sharpness canal for final assembly.  She has strong associations with this area where most of her working life was spent.  ADDIE gained national significance from her role in the First World War when she was requisitioned in March 1918 for 18 months naval service.  In 1960, she was involved in the Severn Railway Bridge disaster in which two tanker barges and five men were lost.  She is believed to be the last surviving British Waterways steam tug.  In the late 1990s, she sailed to Menorca via the Bay of Biscay in private ownership. Historic photographs survive which document her working life.  ADDIE was recorded on the National Register of Historic Vessels in 2011.

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?

ADDIE was modified from her original function as a harbour and coastal tug to become a houseboat in private ownership, which significantly changed her form and features. On conversion to a leisure vessel, her boiler room became a lounge and kitchen, and the addition of a deckhouse aft visually altered her external profile. However, she retains her tug-like hull shape despite her houseboat appearance and internally, the wheelhouse still reflects her working days. ADDIE is currently based in West India Dock as a static vessel and is used for artist residencies on an arts and heritage berth.

Sources:

Author: NHS-UK team, March 2025