Thursday 12 January 2012

'King Alfred' Paddle Steamer, 1905

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Charing Cross Pier, circa 1907

Probably the most underused part of London's Transport system are the river services, and always have been. In the 1900's, the London County Council tried to reverse this, wanting a strong river service to complement the new extensive electric tramway system. In June 1905, the LCC started daily services, ordering ten boats from Napier & Milner of Glasgow. This is a model of King Alfred, delivered in 1905 for the new daily services, costing £6000 and being able to carry 500 passengers. Unfortunately, the brave venture was a failure, losing £30,000 in the first year, and the services were shut down in 1908 and the boats sold




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