Tower Belle
| Company type | Passenger vessel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Leisure cruises, Educational cruises |
| Founded | 1920 |
| Founder | Armstrong Whitworth |
| Headquarters | Bristol , England |
Area served | Bristol Harbour, River Avon |
| Products | Leisure and educational cruises |
| Owner | Bristol Packet Boat Trips |
Tower Belle is a passenger vessel operating out of Bristol Harbour in England. Managed by the Bristol Packet Boat Trips, it provides leisure and educational cruises around the City Docks and along the River Avon, with stops including the Chequers Inn at Hanham Lock and Beese's Tea Gardens near Conham. Constructed in 1920 by Armstrong Whitworth in Newcastle upon Tyne, the boat was initially named Wincomblee. During the mid-20th century, it served in London before relocating to Bristol in 1976.
History
Initially bearing the name Wincomblee, after a district in Walker, Newcastle upon Tyne, much of its early service record remains unclear. The vessel was owned and operated by its builder, Armstrong Whitworth, likely functioning as either an executive launch or a ferry for shipyard employees.[1] In 1939, ownership transferred to Newcastle City Council, where it probably operated as a ferry on the River Tyne throughout the Second World War. By 1946, the vessel had been relocated to London and began passenger operations on the River Thames, running routes from Westminster Pier downstream to Greenwich and upstream to Hampton Court.[2][3] The original steam-powered twin screws were replaced with a single diesel-driven propeller. Operators on the Thames included H G Hastings (1947–45), Thames Launches (1955–59), and under the new name Tower Belle, W R Witham (1960–76).[4]
By 1976, the vessel had been left derelict at Eel Pie Island in Twickenham, deemed unfit for further river navigation. It was there discovered by the proprietor of Bristol Packet Boat Trips, who ran narrowboat tours within Bristol City Docks. Tower Belle was transported by lorry to Bristol, suffering additional damage during transit. After undergoing repairs, it was relaunched into the docks late that year. The company introduced cruises through the Avon Gorge, to Avonmouth and back, alongside upriver trips to locations such as the Chequers Inn at Hanham and Beese's Tea Gardens. The vessel also hosted private events, occasionally featuring live jazz performances.[3] Over time, enhancements were made including replacing wooden flooring with steel decking and installing an electrical generator to support DJ equipment and refrigeration for onboard refreshments.[5][6]
In celebration of its 90th anniversary in 2010, Tower Belle hosted a commemorative cruise attended by Bristol’s Lord Mayor Colin Smith. During the event, he remarked on the vessel’s longevity and its role in enhancing the cultural revival of the city docks through popular boat excursions.[7]
Technical information
Tower Belle operates with a diesel engine that powers a single propeller. The vessel measures 67.97 ft (20.72 m) in length and has a beam width of 13 ft (4.0 m). Her draught is 2.83 ft (0.86 m), while the air draught stands at 12 ft (3.7 m). Certified to carry up to 95 passengers, the ship is outfitted with life rings, inflatable life rafts, and life jackets for safety. Onboard amenities include a modest bar and restroom facilities.
References
- ↑ Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedMNL01 - ↑ Houseman, John (22 October 2012). "Sailing down memory lane on a tour around the harbour". Bristol Post, archived at Lexis-Nexis. Retrieved 7 August 2013.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Tower Belle". National Register of Historic Vessels. National Historic Ships UK. Retrieved 7 August 2013.
- ↑ "Tower Belle". The Liquid Highway. Retrieved 7 August 2013.
- ↑ Staff. "Tower Power". Shipshape Bristol. The Group of Seven. Retrieved 7 August 2013.
- ↑ Staff (14 March 2006). "Harbour pleasure boat gets makeover". Bristol Post at Lexis-Nexis. Retrieved 7 August 2013.
- ↑ "Night-time party boat The Tower Belle marks 90th birthday". Bristol Post. 30 September 2010. Retrieved 7 August 2013.
External links
Template:National Historic Ships 51°26′53″N 2°37′10″W / 51.4480°N 2.6194°W