Clacton and the Gunfleet Sands
The seaside resorts of the East Coast of England had their heyday in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Small leisure boats as well… Read More »Clacton and the Gunfleet Sands
Ferry
Posts relating to the management, history or operation of ferries crossing seas or rivers
Daniel Defoe prefers to take the road to Gloucester
In this post, we find Daniel Defoe on his travels in the Severn Estuary. He describes the power of the ‘violent’ tides, forcing him and… Read More »Daniel Defoe prefers to take the road to Gloucester
Crossing the Channel: history beneath the waves
This short poem, written in 1911 by Charles Robert Leslie Fletcher, reflects on the history of vessels that lie in the depths of the English… Read More »Crossing the Channel: history beneath the waves
Dordrecht in its heyday
Dordrecht comes from Thuredriht (c 1120), Thuredrecht (c 1200) meaning ‘thoroughfare’, a ship-canal or river through which ships were pulled by rope from one river… Read More »Dordrecht in its heyday
Sail gives way to steam on the Thames, 1935
This rare colour footage from the British Film Institute archive shows life on the River Thames in the 1930s. Its quite magical to drift along… Read More »Sail gives way to steam on the Thames, 1935
Crossing to France: via Dover or Brighton?
Just 23 miles wide at the narrowest point between Dover and Calais, the English Channel has separated Britain from mainland Europe since pre-historic times. During… Read More »Crossing to France: via Dover or Brighton?
Through Holland in the ‘Widgeon’, 1874
The generous hospitality of the Dutch OGA to the Gaffers during the summer celebrations, 2014, reminds us of how much The Netherlands has always had… Read More »Through Holland in the ‘Widgeon’, 1874
Crossing the River Severn
There had been ferries across the turbulent Severn Estuary for centuries, but many preferred to travel via Gloucester rather than brave the ten troubled tides.… Read More »Crossing the River Severn