ON THE WATERFRONT: Ornate barge was largely used for ceremonial duties

This week’s picture shows the ornate clinker-built barge once owned by the River Wear Commissioners (RWC).
RWC Barge.RWC Barge.
RWC Barge.

The barge was used mainly during the RWC’s annual survey of their jurisdiction, which extended some nine miles upriver to Biddick Ford. Known as “Barge Day,” the Commissioners and their officials would crowd on board to inspect river engineering projects, the quay line and encroachments, besides identifying opportunities for river improvements.

Sometimes steam launches were used to accommodate excess passengers and tow the barge if the tide was against the rowers.

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The Commissioners would usually disembark at Barmston Woods or Lord Lambton’s estate, where a marquee was erected for refreshments. At one time, the survey provided a gala atmosphere with river craft of all kinds being in close attendance.

An early custom was for the Chairman of the RWC to kiss the first pretty girl he met after disembarking and hand her a sovereign. More often than not the barge was crewed by six to eight smartly uniformed oarsmen under the command of the Harbour Master. The craft was first used in 1847 after being constructed for the Commissioners.

Its function was largely ceremonial. Besides being utilised for the annual survey, it took part in the opening of South Dock on June 20, 1850 and on other formal occasions. The vessel was usually kept on shore outside the Pier and Harbour Office, Commissioners Quay.

An interesting old flag, depicting the RWC and Borough of Sunderland coats of arms, was made for the ceremony in 1859 when the RWC took over ownership of South Docks from Sunderland Dock Company. It was first hoisted on this occasion and continued to be flown for many years during annual surveys. The barge was last used on July 27, 1903, when it took part in the Commissioners’ annual survey. By this time she had become unserviceable and somewhat dangerous in the eyes of some elderly Commissioners. When it was broken up, it was found

that the paintwork was about two inches thick, coat after coat having been applied over the years.

In later times, steam launches and paddle tugs ferried Commissioners carrying out their inspections.