Most enthusiasts will know Thomas Watson (Shipping) Ltd. for their fleet of coasters and larger vessels with ‘Lady’ names and interesting histories – most of them were bought second-hand. But there is much more to this Rochester-based company. As well as their 39 coasters, they owned 55 sailing barges, which became familiar along the Medway and the Thames. Dutch coasters were also managed during the Second World War, and the book also includes full details of the 37 sailing barges built by Edmund G. Watson. This excellent book is from an author who knows the area and its shipowners well, tells how the Watson and Bradley families built up the business through their intimate acquaintance with local commerce and industry. Indeed, it takes the story to its finale, as Thomas Watson (Shipping) Ltd. closed down in 2000 in the face of a further downturn in the market for their type of ships. The book serves as a memorial to a small but well-run company. With 96 quarto-size pages, “Thomas Watson” includes details of some 136 vessels, with illustrations of all the steam and motor vessels, and many of the sailing vessels. Softcover containing 86 black and white and 4 colour photographs.
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