Key details
- Current boat name
- RCHME 279
- Boat class
- 7371
- Function
- Service
- Type
Dimensions and specifications
- Length (m / ft)
- 10.06 / 33ft
- Beam (m / ft)
- 2.44 / 8ft
- Leeward
- None
- Masts
- None
- Propulsion
- Pole
Design and build
- Date of build
- 1920c
- Place of build
- Unkown
Current status
- Present use
- Display
History
RCHME 279 was a type of craft ordered by by the Royal Gun Powder Mills in 1812 and was used to move gun and rocket propellants around the canals at Waltham Abbey Gunpowder Mills. It was a simple double-ended design with a
rounded canvas covered light planking and was poled or towed (by man). RCHME 279 was built in the 1920's by unknown builders. Post 1944 following the cessation of production at the Waltham Abbey Mills, the vessel was abandoned in the Black Ditch, South Site. In 1964 it was restored and moored in the Canal at Library Building. For a while it was moved to Fort Halstead but later returned to Waltham Abbey. After the opening of the Waltham Abbey Mills as a heritage centre, it was put on display. It was partially restored by the Mills Friends Association in 2007. March 2011 (Archive)