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Spry - the last Severn Trow
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Spry - the last Severn Trow
Shipwight working on the ribs of Spry, the last Severn Trow. Spry was rebuilt by the Upper Severn Navigation Trust (which is now The Spry Trust) in conjunction with the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust. First published The Daily Telegraph Date: 1997
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Media ID 19534157
© Philip Dunn / Mary Evans Picture Library
1990s 1997 Ironbridge Nineties Severn Shropshire Trust Shipwright Trow
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EDITORS COMMENTS
In this evocative photograph, a skilled shipwright is meticulously working on the ribs of Spry, the last surviving Severn Trow, in the late 1990s. The Severn Trows were a unique type of wooden boat that once plied the waters of the River Severn in Shropshire, England, carrying cargo and passengers between the industrial towns and villages along its banks. This particular vessel, Spry, was originally built in 1883 but was sadly destroyed by fire in 1978. However, thanks to the dedication and hard work of the Upper Severn Navigation Trust and the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust, Spry was painstakingly rebuilt over a period of several years. The photograph captures the essence of traditional boatbuilding techniques, with the shipwright expertly shaping and fitting the ribs, the backbone of the boat, using hand tools and traditional methods. The scene is set against the picturesque backdrop of Blists Hill, a living history museum in the Ironbridge Gorge, where Spry was being restored. The 1990s were a time of renewed interest in traditional crafts and heritage, and the rebuilding of Spry was a testament to the enduring appeal of the past. The boat was not only a symbol of the rich maritime history of Shropshire, but also a reminder of the importance of preserving traditional skills and techniques for future generations. Today, Spry continues to be a popular attraction at the Ironbridge Gorge Museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the past and a chance to learn about the history of the River Severn and the unique boats that once sailed its waters. This photograph is a poignant reminder of the dedication and craftsmanship that went into bringing this historic vessel back to life.
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