Starvationer

Current boat name

Starvationer

Boat class

7330

Function

Cargo

Type

Length (m / ft)

9.14 / 30ft

Propulsion

Towed

Date of build

1880c

Present use

Museum/IWT

So-called because of the boat’s rib structure, starvationers were open barges used on under-ground canals in coal mines owned by the Duke of Bridgewater at Worsley, near Manchester. They were built in roughly three sizes, carrying from 2 to 12 tons, the largest size of boat carrying coal along the Bridgewater Canal to Manchester. This boat, judged by its size, is one of those that worked the lowest levels of the mine and would have carried about two tons of coal. Boats of this type operated almost to the coalface, empty boats being worked in trains into the mine by men and boys pulling them, using rings set in the roof of the tunnels, or in low sections by lying on their backs and pushing the roof with their feet. Loaded boats were assisted out of the mine by closing sluice gates in the canal (which was also used for drainage) and allowing the level to build up behind them. When the gates were opened a flush of water would carry the boats to the next gate, where the process was repeated until the mine entrance was reached. STARVATIONER forms part of The Waterways Trust Collection at Ellesmere Port. It is believed that there is only one other example of this specialised type of barge. Awaiting further information. GH September 2009