Middle Northwich Boats...
Theophilus & Thea...
Theophilus was based on the Grand Union and controlled from Bulbourne for many
years. She was bought by Wyvern Shipping in 1964 with Sextans for use in their
hire fleet. Later she was converted to a houseboat and in 1994 was permanently
moored at Little Venice in London with a wooden cabin fitted.
Thea was originally a butty when she entered the fleet, she was registered at
Birmingham number 1597 on the 17th July 1936 and entered the fleet in April
1936. She was sold to J. Knill and was renamed Matilda in 1951. Samuel Barlow
took over Knill's boats in the mid 1950's. In 1961 Thea was bought by the
Aylesbury Boat Company for £250 and was cut in half. In March 1993 she was
shortened and converted into a 57 foot tug by Warwickshire Fly Boat Company.
Thea is owned by S. Cawson.
Middle Northwich motor Theophilus in 2006 at Little Venice
Photo courtesy of Paul Hunter
Middle Northwich motor Theophilus in 2006 at Little Venice
Photo courtesy of Paul Hunter
Middle Northwich butty Matilda (ex GUCC Thea) working for Samuel Barlow with the motor Daphne.
Middle Northwich butty Matilda (ex GUCC Thea) working for Samuel Barlow with the motor Daphne.
Ex Middle Northwich butty Thea now motorised and converted, parading at Braunston in June 2005
Ex Middle Northwich butty Thea now motorised and converted, parading at Braunston in June 2008