Barge baffles the experts

This old barge raised from the Thames at Abingdon is baffling the National Rivers Authority.

It was salvaged from its shallow resting place at the Abingdon School boathouse at the end of Wilsham Road in the summer, and taken to Abingdon Lock for storage.

But experts still have no idea what the steel-hulled vessel was used for.  It is of unusual design, and is thought to date back to the turn of the century.

 Mr. Eric Kirk, deputy inspector for the area, said the 20 feet long by seven feet wide barge has "unusual fitments on board, which we cannot identify,"

Mr. Kirk said the barge, of riveted construction, was discovered after people reported an underwater obstruction near the boat house.

If you have any information contact the National Rovers Authority on Oxford 721721.