Details
Construction
Dimensions
History
VIRGO was built by Harland and Wolff in Woolwich for the Grand Union Canal Carrying Company in July 1935, fleet number 98, and was originally paired with the butty VELA. She was fitted with a National 2DM engine, which is still in place.
VIRGO continued to operate for the Grand Union Canal Carrying Company until the fleet was nationalised in 1948, when it passed into the British Waterways fleet. During this time, she was used as a 'Change Boat', being used by crews as and when their own vessels went for docking/repairs.
In the late 1960s/early 1970s, VIRGO was converted into a houseboat, having her elm bottom replaced with steel and a full steel cabin added over the cargo hold. From this point, VIRGO remained as a houseboat in London, where it eventually fell into disrepair. She was rescued by the present owners in December 2023 and moved to Northwich, Cheshire for restoration.
Key dates
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1935
Built by Harland and Wolff in Woolwich for the Grand Union Canal Carrying Company, being paired with the butty VELA
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1948
Passed into the British Waterways fleet after Grand Union Canal Carrying Company was nationalised
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1960s/70s
Converted into a houseboat, having her elm bottom replaced with steel and a full steel cabin added over the cargo hold
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2023
Purchased by her current owners and moved to Northwich, Cheshire for restoration
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
