A historic Thames sailing barge will return to the Essex coast this weekend for the first time in more than three decades as part of ongoing efforts to celebrate the town’s maritime heritage.
Burnham Wharf Heritage CIC (BWH), which has spent the past three years restoring the disused wharves and jetties linked to Burnham’s former boat building industry, has arranged for the Thames barge Lady Daphne to visit the town on June 7 and 8.
The vessel is due to arrive on the afternoon of Saturday, June 7, before opening to visitors the following day.
Organisers say it will mark the first time in more than 30 years that a Thames barge has moored alongside one of Burnham’s traditional jetties.
For generations, the town’s wharves played an important role in the local marine industry, supporting the yacht yards that once lined the waterfront and providing facilities for the maintenance of Thames barges.
While many of the old boatyards have since disappeared and the sites redeveloped, BWH has been working to preserve and restore what remains of the historic quayside infrastructure.
During its visit, Lady Daphne will be moored at Quay Cottage jetty, beside the White Harte Hotel, with permission from the Herring family.
Visitors will have the opportunity to tour the barge on Sunday, June 8, with arrangements being made through the Quarter Deck café further along the quay.
BWH hopes the visit will help highlight Burnham’s rich maritime history and the importance of preserving the town’s surviving waterfront heritage.
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