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Thames Pleasure Boats
Photos by David Lord
 
 
 
This page is devoted to a series of photos of Thames excursion boats taken by David Lord with box brownie camera near Teddington between 1949-1951. They form a remarkable picture of the boats on the Thames at this time. This is one a of series of Simplon Postcards pages devoted to River Thames Excursion Boats.
 
 
Sections on this Page:-
Salter Brothers
Thames Launches
Odell
Other Operators
 
Boats on this Page:-
Abercorn - Thames Launches
Cliveden - Salters
Connaught - Thames Launches
Ford Consul - R.G.Odell
Gondolier Princess - P.J. & R.F.Jackson
Her Majesty's - C.Whatford
His Majesty - Thames Launches
Kingwood - Thames Launches
Marchioness - Thames Launches
Oceni - R.G.Odell
Oat - R.G.Odell
Ode - R.G.Odell
Prefect - R.G.Odell
Princess Beatrice - Thames Launches
Princess Mary - Thames Launches
Queen Boadicea - P.J. & R.F.Jackson
Queen Elizabeth - Thames Launches
Reading - Salters
Royalty - Thames Launches
Starlight - P.J. & R.F.Jackson
Streatley - Salters
The King - Thames Launches
Twickenham - Thames Launches
Vesta II
Viscount - Thames Launches
Viscountess - Thames Launches
 
Thames Passenger Boat Pages:-
River Thames Excursion Boats - Thames Header Page - Full List of Companies
Colliers Launches - Westminster-Kew-Hampton Court services - Thames River Boats
Complete Pleasure Boats - Westminster-Kew-Hampton Court services - Thames River Boats
Ed Langley - Westminster-Kew-Hampton Court services - Thames River Boats
Joseph Mears - Westminster-Kew-Hampton Court services 1907-1945 - passed to Thames Launches
King Cruises - Westminster-Kew-Hampton Court services - Thames River Boats
Maynard Launches - Westminster-Kew-Hampton Court services - Thames River Boats
Salter Brothers - Oxford-Abingdon-Wallingford-Reading-Henley-Marlow-Maidenhead-Windsor-Staines services
www.completepleasureboats.co.uk - official website for charters
www.thamesexecutivecharters.com - official website for Blackfriars-Putney commuter service
www.thamesriverboats.co.uk - official website for Hampton Court services
 
Associated Pages:-
UK Excursion Ships
Ferry Postcards
Cruise Ship Postcards
Ocean Liner Postcards
Simplon Postcards - Recent Updates
Simplon Postcards - Home Page
 
References:-
Royal River Highway: Written by Frank L. Dix - published David & Charles 1984
Trip Out Guides - Written and published by G.P.Hamer - various editions from 1977 to 2005 consulted
Trip Out Guides are available from Geoffrey Hamer, PO Box 485, Southall, UB1 9BH
 
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Table of Individual Boat Pages

Name

Other names

 Built
 Connaught  

 1911
 Kingwood  

 1915
 
 
 
 
 
Thames Pleasure Boats
Photos by David Lord
 
 
 
Salter Brothers
 
 
Reading
 
Reading passing Ravens Ait
Photo: © David Lord
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Cliveden
 
Salter Brothers Cliveden
Photo: © David Lord
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Streatley
 
Streatley passing Surbiton travelling upriver
Photo: © David Lord
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Thames Launches
 
 
Abercorn
(built: 1925)
 
Abercorn was built by Salter Brothers for Joseph Mears in 1926. She was sold to Thames Launches in 1947, and to Catamaran Cruisers in 1976. Abercorn was sold on to B.Murphy in 2002, and suffered a bad fire in 2005.
 
The complete list of Salters boats built for Mears were the Viscount (1908), Connaught (1911), Royalty (1913), Hurlingham (1915), Kingwood (1915), Marchioness (1923), Queen Elizabeth (3) (1924), Abercorn (1925) and Viscountess (1926). All remain in service in 2006, except the Marchioness, which was lost in an accident in 1989, and Abercorn which suffered a major fire in 2005 whilst at her moorings.
 
 
Abercorn at Richmond
Photo: © David Lord
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Connaught
(built: 1911)
 
Connaught was built in 1911 by Salter Brothers for Joseph Mears of Richmond. After WW2, she was operated by Thames Launches (1947-59), H.G.Hastings (Kingston, 1960-62), Thames Motor Boats (1963-79), Metcalf & Aldrich and Colliers Launches.
 
The complete list of Salters boats built for Mears were the Viscount (1908), Connaught (1911), Royalty (1913), Hurlingham (1915), Kingwood (1915), Marchioness (1923), Queen Elizabeth (3) (1924), Abercorn (1925) and Viscountess (1926). All remain in service in 2006, except the Marchioness, which was lost in an accident in 1989, and Abercorn which suffered a major fire in 2005 whilst at her moorings.
 
 
Connaught leaving Teddington Lock for Kingston
Photo: © David Lord
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His Majesty
(built: 1906)
 
His Majesty was built by the Bond Boat Building Co for their own use from Maidenhead. She was bought by J.Mears in 1917, passing to Thames Launches in 1946 with the rest of his fleet. She operated until 1966.
 
 
His Majesty heading downstream past Strawberry Gardens
Photo: © David Lord
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Kingwood
(built: 1915)
 
Kingwood was built in 1915 by Salter Brothers for Joseph Mears of Richmond. After WW2, she was operated by Thames Launches (1947-76) and Kingwood Launches (1977-??). In 2004 she was operated by King Cruises on sailings from Westminster to Kew, Richmond and Hampton Court.
 
The complete list of Salters boats built for Mears were the Viscount (1908), Connaught (1911), Royalty (1913), Hurlingham (1915), Kingwood (1915), Marchioness (1923), Queen Elizabeth (3) (1924), Abercorn (1925) and Viscountess (1926). All remain in service in 2006, except the Marchioness, which was lost in an accident in 1989, and Abercorn which suffered a major fire in 2005 whilst at her moorings.
 
 
Kingwood at the Oxford & Cambridge Boat Race in 1951
Photo: © David Lord
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Marchioness
(built: 1923)
 
Marchioness was built by Salter Brothers in 1923 for Joseph Mears of Richmond. She was 85 feet long, and was converted to diesel power in 1952. Viscountess passed to Thames Launches with the rest of the Mears fleet in 1947. In 1977 she was owned by Thames Party Boats, followed by service with Tidal Cruises, along with ex-Mears boats Hurlingham and Viscountess. She was lost in an accident with the Bowbelle in 1989, 53 people losing their lives.
 
The complete list of Salters boats built for Mears were the Viscount (1908), Connaught (1911), Royalty (1913), Hurlingham (1915), Kingwood (1915), Marchioness (1923), Queen Elizabeth (3) (1924), Abercorn (1925) and Viscountess (1926). All remain in service in 2006, except the Marchioness, which was lost in an accident in 1989, and Abercorn which suffered a major fire in 2005 whilst at her moorings.
 
 
Marchioness heading Yarmouth Belle out of Teddington Long Lock
Photo: © David Lord
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Princess Beatrice
(built: 1896)
 
Princess Beatrice was built by and for Harry Tagg in 1896. She passed to Joseph Mears in 1914, and to Thames Launches in 1946. She was sunk in 1960.
 
 
Princess Beatrice passing Marble Hall Park near Richmond
Photo: © David Lord
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Princess Mary
(built: 1912)
 
Princess Mary was built for C.Southgate of Windsor in 1912. She passed to Joseph Mears in 1926, passing to Thames Launches with the rest of the Mears fleet in 1947. She was renamed Putney in 1953, in keeping with the other smaller vessels in the fleet, but was sold the following year.
 
 
Princess Mary nearing Richmond from Twickenham
Photo: © David Lord
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Queen Elizabeth (3)
(built: 1924)
 
Queen Elizabeth (3) was built by Salter Brothers in 1924 for J.Mears. She transferred to Thames Launches in 1947, and was sold to Thames Party Boats in 1978. She is owned by Colliers Launches in 2006.
 
The complete list of Salters boats built for Mears were the Viscount (1908), Connaught (1911), Royalty (1913), Hurlingham (1915), Kingwood (1915), Marchioness (1923), Queen Elizabeth (3) (1924), Abercorn (1925) and Viscountess (1926). All remain in service in 2006, except the Marchioness, which was lost in an accident in 1989, and Abercorn which suffered a major fire in 2005 whilst at her moorings.
 
 
Queen Elizabeth passing Teddington Weir and heading for Kingston
Photo: © David Lord
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Royalty
(built: 1913)
 
Royalty was built for Joseph Mears by Salter Brothers in 1913. She later served with Thames Launches (1947-1976) and Wheeler Launches (1977-1998). In 2006 she runs charters for Absolute Pleasure Boats.
 
The complete list of Salters boats built for Mears were the Viscount (1908), Connaught (1911), Royalty (1913), Hurlingham (1915), Kingwood (1915), Marchioness (1923), Queen Elizabeth (3) (1924), Abercorn (1925) and Viscountess (1926). All remain in service in 2006, except the Marchioness, which was lost in an accident in 1989, and Abercorn which suffered a major fire in 2005 whilst at her moorings.
 
 
Royalty approaching Kingston Pier
Photo: © David Lord
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Royalty passing Surbiton heading for Hampton Court
Photo: © David Lord
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Royalty at Richmond Pier
Photo: © David Lord
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The King
(built: 1902)
 
The King (1902) was built and operated by Harry Tagg until 1915, when she was sold to Joseph Mears who ran her from 1916-1946.
 
Length: 81ft
Beam: 14ft 6ins
Draft: 5ft 5ins
Displacement: 40.80 tons
Engine: Originally steam, later Thornycroft 75 Diesel, then Ford 120hp Engine)
Construction: Teak on oak
Builder: H. Tagg, East Molesey
Year Built: 1902
Operators: Harry Tagg(1902-1915), Joseph Mears(1916-1946), Thames Launches (1946-1985)
Gary Beckwith(1985-1989), WPSA (1989 - 1994), Morris Tolhurst (1994 - Current)
 
 
The King passing Surbiton heading for Hampton Court
Photo: © David Lord
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The King at Thames Launches yard at Eel Pie Island after an overhaul, winter 1950/51
Photo: © David Lord
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Twickenham
(built: 1942)
 
Twickenham was built on the River Nene as Pride of the Nene in 1942. She was bought by Thames Launches in 1948 and renamed Twickenham. She subsequently passed to Premier Passenger Boat Co (1962-68), Tideway passenger Boat Co (1969-73) and R.J.Maynard from 1974.
 
 
Twickenham heading upstream passing Surbiton
Photo: © David Lord
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Viscountess
(built: 1926)
 
Viscountess was built by Salter Brothers in 1926 for Joseph Mears of Richmond. She was 110 feet long, and was converted to diesel power in 1945. Viscountess passed to Thames Launches with the rest of the Mears fleet in 1947. From 1977-1981 she was owned by Jackson Brothers (Catamaran Cruisers), followed by service with Tidal Cruises with ex-Mears boats Hurlingham and Marchioness. Tidal Cruisers had become Thames Cruises by 1999, and Viscountess remains in service with them in 2006.
 
The complete list of Salters boats built for Mears were the Viscount (1908), Connaught (1911), Royalty (1913), Hurlingham (1915), Kingwood (1915), Marchioness (1923), Queen Elizabeth (3) (1924), Abercorn (1925) and Viscountess (1926). All remain in service in 2006, except the Marchioness, which was lost in an accident in 1989, and Abercorn which suffered a major fire in 2005 whilst at her moorings.
 
 
Viscountess passing Teddington Weir heading for Hampton Court
Photo: © David Lord
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Viscount
(built: 1908)
 
In 1908, Joseph Mears bought the first of nine large launches built for him by Salter Brothers, the Viscount of 106ft and 395 passengers. She was one of the largest launches of the middle Thames when built. Viscount passed to Thames Launches with the rest of the Mears fleet in 1947, and ran for Thompsons Launches from 1971 until the mid-1990s when she passed to Campion Launches. In 2006 she passed to Ed Langley and runs with Henley for Complete Pleasure Boats.
 
The complete list of Salters boats built for Mears were the Viscount (1908), Connaught (1911), Royalty (1913), Hurlingham (1915), Kingwood (1915), Marchioness (1923), Queen Elizabeth (3) (1924), Abercorn (1925) and Viscountess (1926). All remain in service in 2007, except the Marchioness which was lost in an accident, and Abercorn destroyed in a fire during overhaul.
 
 
Viscount approaching Teddington Lock from upstream
Photo: © David Lord
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R.G.Odell & Sons
 
R.G.Odell entered the Thames passenger trade in 1933, having previously been involved in the lighterage business. Odell came from a long line of Thames watermen and had won the coveted Doggett's Coat & Badge as an oarsman in 1902. He obtained a contract with the Ford Motor Co of Dagenham to ferry visitors to their works from Westminster, forming the Odelia Cruising Motor Ship Co to do this. His first passenger boat was named New Dagenham. In the same year 1933, A.Gordon Cooper started a ferry service across the Thames from Erith to Dagenham, to bring Ford workers from the south bank. This service continued until quite recently. Odell's service from Westminster continued until the outbreak of WW2, when the boat was sold. In 1934 a public enquiry was conducted by the Minister of Transport to look into the provision of a Thames waterbus services along the lines of the pre-WW1 London City Council service. The recommendations were not pursued. During the early part of WW2, and emergency service was run using three launches owned by Joseph Mears.
 
In 1946, R.G.Odell again obtained the contract for Ford Motor Company services from Westminster to Dagenham. He obtained the boats Ich Dein and Mark Rock, the latter being renamed Odette. The London Transport Board looked at setting again providing a waterbus service, supported by R.G.Odell amongst others. Odell began building a fleet of suitable vessels, the first of which, Oat, was also the first new postwar Thames boat. She was followed by the Obe, Ocenia and Odelia. They had wooden hulls with square sterns, and observation saloons for and aft of a central entrance and cockpit. I presume the forward saloons could be removed in their entirety, since the same boats are also seen with open foredecks. The service began on 7th July 1947, running from Putney to Charing Cross, with connections there to Greenwich by Thames Pleasurecraft. the service was so successful that an additional shuttle had to be provided between Charing Cross and the Tower. Additional Odell boats built in 1947/48 were Oenid, Officer, Organic and Ohmid. He completed the fleet with Oinette and Ojonto, and also built three larger boats Zodiac, Fordson and Prefect for the Ford service. In 1950, a fourth large boat, Ford Consul, was added to the fleet, plus the small Santina and Santosy for the Charing Cross to Tower shuttle. Ford Consul and Zodiac were licensed to operate as far as Southend. the Festival of Britain was held at the South Bank in 1951, and boat services were particularly busy. In 1952, Odell ran the Thames Docks cruises. In 1958, Odell took over the ex-Croson boats Titlark and Titlark II which had been running for County Cruises from Charing Cross to Gravesend, and they were renamed Okra and Oleander. The water bus service ended in 1962, with the Odell fleet passing to Thames Cruises Ltd (R.G.Odell & son Leslie Odell both directors). Thames Cruises were taken over by Thames Launches in 1966.
 
 
The Odell fleet at builders the Walton Boat & Launch Co
Ocenia, Oat and Ode in the foreground
Photo: © David Lord
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The Odell fleet at builders the Walton Boat & Launch Co
Photo: © David Lord
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Odell launch Ocenia passing Richmond to take up station on the water bus
Photo: © David Lord
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Odell launch Prefect passing Surbiton
Photo: © David Lord
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Odell launch Ford Consul on trials, passing Thornicroft Hampton launch Works
Photo: © David Lord
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Unidentified Odell launch at Teddington
Photo: © David Lord
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Other Operators
 
Gondolier Princess
(built: 1925)
Gondolier Princess was 63grt and built in 1925. Her operators were:
P.J. & R.F.Jackson, Hammersmith (1948- 1952)
D.Driscoll (1953- 1954)
Thames Pleasurecraft Ltd (1955-1959)
 
 
Gondolier Princess heading downstream near Broom Water, Teddington
Photo: © David Lord
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Her Majesty's
(built: 1914)
 
Her Majesty's was built by the Bond Boat Building Co for their own use from Maidenhead. She was bought by C.Whatford & Sons in 1942, passing to Thames Motor Boats by 1977, although not surviving long. She was converted from steam to diesel in 1952.
 
 
Her Majesty's
Photo: © David Lord
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Queen Boadicea
(built: 1929)
 
Queen Boadicea was built in 1929, and worked on the Thames for Mrs C.M.Smith from 1929-1941, and then for Jacksons of Hammersmith from 1942-1959, and Thames Pleasure Craft from 1960. She attended the Dunkirk evacuation. Queen Boadicea was bought by Dart Pleasure Craft for use on the Dartmouth-Kingswear ferry, which the company ran from 1st January 1977. Queen Boadicea was withdrawn from the ferry and moved to Plymouth in 1982 and was scrapped in 1984.
 
 
Queen Boadicea nearing Hampton Court
Photo: © David Lord
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Starlight
(built: 1896)
 
Starlight was built by E.W.Cawston of Reading in 1896 for their own use. She passed to H.G.Hastings of Kingston in 1931, and to P.J. & R.F.Jackson, Hammersmith from 1947 until 1957. She was renamed The Original Starlight.
 
 
Starlight
Photo: © David Lord
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Vesta II
 
Vesta II was built by Camper & Nicholson for the Portsmouth-Gosport ferry service of the Port of Portsmouth Steam Launch & Towing Co in 1909. She was named Vesta II because there was another local Portsmouth boat (not on the ferry service) called Vesta. She moved to the Thames in 1948 for Mrs C.Hastings of Kingston. She was re-engined as a diesel and renamed Kingston Belle in 1949, ownership passing to H.G.Hastings, who owned her until 1954. In 1963 she returned to the Solent for Southampton Pleasure Cruises, but was out of service by 1982.
 
 
Vesta II near Broom Water, Teddington
Photo: © David Lord
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Wroxham Belle
 
Wroxham Belle was built for Yarmouth services by Rowhedge Ironworks in 1936. She was acquired by H.G.Hastings of Kingston who owned her from 1946 to 1956. They also owned the Yarmouth Belle which is still in service with Turk Launches.
 
 
Wroxham Belle passing Surbiton
Photo: © David Lord
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