Recreating history at Dartford

THE construction of a low road bridge over the Dartford & Crayford Navigation off the Thames stopped the passage of barges for good.

Until last week when with just inches to spare the sailing barge Decima made it under the bridge to navigate the waterway to give the public a chance to inspect the vessel, Alan Tilbury reports.

Derelict lock

The photograph by Conrad Broadley shows the barge approaching the derelict Dartford Lock on its journey along the remaining short length of waterway.

The navigation extends for six miles to Dartford, where the barge is now moored, being open to the public at specific times over the holidays.

The sailing barge is on the Historic Ships Register, being built in 1899, and for a period was used as a residential houseboat.