The Royal Thamesis was inspired by Queen Mary’s Shallop of 1689.  In other ways the Royal Thamesis is distinctly modern.  Built of Brazilian cedar she is light – 780kg.  With just six rowing positions and a somewhat foreshortened stern she is only 36 feet long, yet has a full complement of 15, which makes for a compact, lively party.She carries six passengers in great style and comfort.    Shallops were the limosines of the lower Thames in the 17th and 18th century.  Even today they are ideal for transporting dignitaries and she is owned by one of the City Livery companies.

Queen Mary's Shallop was rowed with 10 oars

The shallop was commissioned by the Thames Traditional Boat Rally and built in 1997 by Thames boatuilder Michael Dennet at Chertsey.  She is constructed of Braxzilian cedar planking on oak timbers.  The carving on her stern represents the head of Father Thames, as seen in the keystone of Henly bridge.    She comes with red velvet seating and is decorated to a high standard and looks wonderful when her flages are flying and she is being rowed by a crew in smart uniform. Because she is light and not too long the modern shallop can be transported by road.  Indeed she is kept on her trailer, ready to go to different waterways.

City Barge supply the crew for this wonderfully elegant barge and also arrange the transport to and from the location of special events.  For further information please telephone  City Barge chairman on 01367-710207