Our History

Tarporley is a registered heritage narrowboat, originally used to carry cargos through London's canals, she has journeyed as far north as Birmingham!  Built in 1937 by W J Yarwood, she has been running for over 86 years! She holds a Lister diesel HR2A engine, installed in 1958 and was one of 37 Large Northwich 'Town' Class boats. 'Town' Class boats were named in alphabetical order after towns and villages in the UK - the first to be delivered was 'Halsall' and the last 'Yeoford'.

 

She survived the second world war and was based at Bulls Bridge in Southall, still transporting cargo along the canals. She changed hands several times until she was bought by the London Borough of Camden in 1972, who wanted to provide residential and day trips for the young and elderly. They converted the boat, replacing the section that once held cargo with accommodation for 12 passengers, a shower room and a galley (Kitchen). Many of the original features were retained such as the boatman's cabin and the engine room which are still here to this day.

 

She was operated by the LBC for more than 20 years. Professional skippers would take groups of all ages on trips up and down the canals. Ultimately due to multiple reasons including rising costs, they decided to transfer the boat, (and the opportunities that it provided for the local community.) to the voluntary sector (Us!).

​

From this, CCNA was born and formed in 1998. Since then Tarporley has been maintained as a community boat, continuing to take out groups of all varieties. Her home turf is Regents Canal, but she occasionally ventures as far as the River Lea, the Thames and the Grand Union Canal.

​

Today, Tarporley is owned and operated by the Camden Canals and Narrowboat Association (CCNA), serving as a community boat based in London. It is used for educational trips, private charters, and public events, offering people a chance to experience the heritage of London’s waterways aboard a historic narrowboat. Tarporley remains a significant piece of canal history and an example of the enduring appeal of traditional narrowboats in the modern era.

​

​