LADY Daphne, a vessel moored in Charlestown Harbour, has been presented with a pennant and brass plaque in recognition of the fact that she has been chosen as a flagship for National Historic Ships UK this year.

The vessel, which is listed as part of the National Historic Fleet, is one of four from around the country acting as a flagship in 2024.

Andy Taylor and Sam Howe, the co-owners of the 101-year-old Thames sailing barge, were given the broad pennant and the plaque by National Historic Ships UK local representative Jess Clay.

“It was a beautiful day in Charlestown for the presentation of the flagship of the year award to Lady Daphne. We look forward to seeing the vessel fly the flag for UK maritime heritage throughout 2024,” said Jess.

The flagship awards provide an opportunity to demonstrate and celebrate the value of historic vessels.

Lady Daphne, built in 1923, is the static flagship of the year. The barge has been awarded the new status in recognition of the extensive planned programme of events which include open days, floating fairs, music and quiz nights, artist studios and the launch of the vessel's own ale and spirit range.

Lady Daphne was built by Short Brothers, Rochester, for Thomas Watson Shipping, and named after her owner's eldest daughter at her launch in 1923.

Among the very few wooden barges built after the First World War, she operated as a coasting barge for half a century, carrying cargoes such as china clay, Portland stone, cement and grain.

The Lady Daphne has seen several dramas in her lifetime, including being shipwrecked on Tresco in the Isles of Scilly in 1927, being struck by a tramp steamer on the Thames and nearly capsizing in Ipswich Docks during the Great East Coast tidal surge of January 1953.

In 1975, she was re-rigged and converted to a promotional and charter barge by her new owners, Taylor Woodrow. Since 1996, she has been in private ownership.

In April 2022, Lady Daphne undertook the journey to her new home at Charlestown, where she is undergoing maintenance and restoration.

Sam said: “As part of her ongoing needs, there is continual maintenance and upkeep required. Costs for this are huge and the work is very time consuming. We rely very much on volunteers to help and support us, and we currently have around 20 FOLD (Friends of Lady Daphne) members. However, we are always on the lookout for more as there is always something to do!

“Areas we need help with in particular are woodworking, painting, maintenance of sails and rigging, social media, fundraising and crew help at events. If you would like to join us, please get in touch. See www.lady-daphne.co.uk”