Ceremonial barge

Scale: circa 1:16. Full hull plank on frame model of a ceremonial barge of the Shipwrights Company circa 1780, used by City of London Livery Companies. The model is decked and complete with a large ornately decorated cabin mounted on a traditional Thames 'wherry' hull. Forward of the cabin is where the 16 rowers would pull individually on oars, whilst the barge was steered by the bargemaster situated behind the cabin on a raised deck in the stern. The large carved animals on the cabin roof and human figures at the bow and stern, are a representative of Noah's Ark, the theme of which is represented in the Company's coat of arms.

These ornate city livery barges were a common sight on the River Thames from the 16th century well into the 19th century. They would form part of the many river processions, either when Royalty was taking part or the annual occasion when the Lord Mayor and Sheriffs would travel to Westminster to take their oaths of appointment. The cabin roofs on some of the larger barges were specially strengthened to accommodate passengers and musicians. This model was probably made as a proposal since there is no evidence to support that the Shipwrights Company ever owned one of this design.