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During Heritage Open Days (6-15 September), don’t miss the opportunity to step aboard one of Charlestown’s hidden treasures — the historic Lady Daphne, writes Alex Duff.
For ten days this September, local volunteers and organisations across the country will open up unique, often hidden, landmarks for the public to explore as part of the largest community-led celebration of history and culture.
And right here in Charlestown Harbour, we have our own living piece of history: the Lady Daphne, the largest boat in the harbour and a rare gem from Britain’s maritime past.
To find out why this centenarian barge holds such a special place in locals’ hearts, CHAOS Radio’s Bryna Jordan caught up with Sam Howe, co-custodian of the Lady Daphne, and volunteer Robin McCarthy.
Why the Lady Daphne Is Special
The Lady Daphne may be a lady but she’s no spring chicken. At 101-years-old, she’s survived shipwrecks, steamer collisions, a global pandemic and now rests back in Charlestown Harbour, where she spent much of her early life carrying Cornish china clay.
“You can come along to Charlestown this week and step aboard something that really is living history,” says Sam, who has co-owned the Lady Daphne since 2017 and subsequently brought her back to Charlestown. “There’s something magical about being on board – knowing she has so many stories to tell, yet still so much to offer.”
In her heyday, there were up to 4,000 barges just like the Lady Daphne but today fewer than 50 remain.
“It doesn’t take long for these barges to go from being in a serviceable state to being beyond help,” explains Sam. “She demands an awful lot of physical, emotional and financial support but she’s a labour of love. I don’t want to see her deteriorate.”
Why You Should Visit the Lady Daphne During Heritage Open Days
“Maritime heritage is incredibly important but often overlooked because it’s expensive to maintain,” Sam continues. Simply put, visiting the Lady Daphne is a way to connect with local history and support the future of this remarkable vessel, and during Heritage Open Days it’s absolutely free to do so.
Robin McCarthy, one of the volunteers aboard, adds: “When people step down into her hold, the word we hear most is ‘Wow’”. Volunteers are on hand to share stories, and there’s also a pop-up exhibition detailing her entire history.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply curious, this is an experience not to be missed.
A Century of Survival: Lady Daphne’s Storied History
- 1923: A familiar sight in Cornish waters, the Lady Daphne sailed from Kent, delivering building materials to Cornwall and returning with china clay from ports like Charlestown and Fowey.
- 1927: Survived a shipwreck and washed up on Tresco, only to be lovingly restored. She was subsequently struck by a steamer in 1945 and narrowly avoided capsizing during the East Coast tidal surge of 1953.
- 1975: Sold and converted into a promotional and charter barge, she spent the next several decades in London.
- 2017: Sam and Andy become co-owners and begin the task of restoring her.
- 2020: After two seasons running charters on the Thames, the Lady Daphne requires restoration. The pandemic hits, and when the Lady Daphne reemerges, she faces a very different world.
- 2022: Lady Daphne returns to her roots and is berthed in Charlestown.
- 2023: The old lady celebrates her 100th birthday!
- Today: Sam, Andy and a team of dedicated volunteers host events throughout the year, working tirelessly to keep the Lady Daphne’s legacy alive.
How You Can Help
To keep the Lady Daphne afloat for another century, local support is crucial. By stepping aboard during Heritage Open Days, you’re not only enjoying a piece of living history but also helping to preserve it, so please do spread the word.
You can also get involved throughout the year – whether it’s attending a quiz or music night (the acoustics are fantastic) and enjoying their own exclusive beer, browsing the floating fayre for local artists, or supporting local authors at the Book on the Barge festival, there’s plenty worth stepping aboard for.
Don’t miss the boat! This is your chance to experience something truly unique. Find out more about what’s happening on board the Lady Daphne at www.lady-daphne.co.uk and during Heritage Open Days at https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/
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