91福利社

In the sunlight

Film action of the Mary Gordon in the 1960's (Real 56, 8" - This was provided by the Mary Gordon Trust).

The Mary Gordon is the oldest electric powered river boat still in existence. She was built in 1898 on the Thames of teak planking on oak frames, by Sergeants, boatbuilders of Eel Pie Island.

In the 1890's these sort of boats were popular, The Mary Gordon was one of the largest, at 70 ft. (11 m.). She could carry 75 adults or 120 children in comfort.

It was Leeds City Council who commissioned the boat to be built as they had just acquired Roundhay Park and wanted to use the boat on Waterloo Lake.

The Mary Gordon then was sold to a private buyer in 1923 and moved to The River Aire where she stayed until 1943. Her electric motor was removed and a petrol one fitted.

In 1943 the Mary Gordon came to Lincoln's Brayford Pool. With this being war time their was a severe amount of paperwork for its journey. After the war the boat now took parties of up to 36 passengers between Gainsborough, Lincoln and Boston. She was fitted with a canopy against the weather and she was again enjoyed as a pleasure boat.

One of the Mary Gordon's more colourful owners during this time was William 'Skipper' Ross Hendry. He would take people for trips between Brayford Pool and the Pyewipe Inn or Saxilby. Famously stopping at the Inns on the waterway and staying a little too long sometimes.

He may tell his passengers they would be on their way in 20 minutes but would not appear from the bar himself until an hour later.

When the landlord at the Pyewipe started charging a penny deposit on glasses and bottles the 'skipper' soon realised how to make a penny or two. The famous cry from his mouth was "All aboard! Ladies and Gentlemen. Bring your glasses and bottles with you!"

He collected the deposit money on his return trip.

For more on the Pyewipe Inn and the craft on the waterways now, read on ...