There were a number of boats moored by Hirst Lock when I walked that way just before Christmas. (One of them was selling attractive knitted craft items.) I've never seen this historic widebeam barge called 'Pauline' before. Its (her?) history was detailed on a plaque (my last photo) - really very interesting. There can't be that many boats left on the canal that are over 150 years old. Beautiful to see and she still looks very well maintained. 'Fly boats' were apparently fast cargo boats that worked around the clock, or to a set timetable, delivering perishable goods and urgent orders.
That's a right old boat there! And seaworthy too! I hope there were some supportive boats to go across the North Sea with her!
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