The Newark

I remember stumbling upon the Newark when I first went to Battersea. I took the scenic Thames Path route from Vauxhall. I have to admit, I didn’t pause to read about the boat in any great detail. However, the other day, I did.

The Newark is moored quietly in Tideway Dock. This old Thames lighter, or “dumb barge” as they called it back in the 1950s, was once a workhorse of the river, carrying coal to the gas works down at Greenwich.

It’s hard to imagine now, with the Thames so serene, but these barges were the lifeblood of industry, ferrying heavy loads without an engine of their own, relying on tugs to get them where they needed to go. By the 1970s, the Newark had a new chapter, transformed into a Sea Scouts base—quite the shift from its gritty coal-carrying days.

The Naughties

Fast forward to the 1990s, and the Newark took on yet another life, this time as a hostel boat near Battersea Power Station. Can you picture it? A floating home at Adrenalin Village, hosting private parties for the likes of the Rolling Stones, Robbie Williams, and Take That.

I can almost hear the music drifting across the water, the clink of glasses, and the hum of celebration against the backdrop of Battersea’s iconic chimneys. It’s a far cry from its industrial roots, but that’s the beauty of these old vessels—they carry stories as varied as the tides.

Since 2000, the Newark has been here in Tideway Dock, now a private houseboat, bobbing gently as the Thames flows by. There’s something quite poetic about its journey, from a coal hauler to a floating venue for rock stars, and now a quiet home on the water.

The sign mentioned a book, A Houseboat on the Thames by David Waterhouse, which tells the “extraordinary true story” of the four-year fight to save her. I haven’t read it yet, but I’m intrigued—imagine the battles, both literal and legal, to keep this piece of history afloat.

Standing there, watching the river ripple past, I couldn’t help but feel a connection to the Newark’s past. It’s a reminder of how the Thames has always been a working river, a place of reinvention and resilience.

Next time you’re wandering along the docks, keep an eye out for her—she’s more than just a boat; she’s a floating piece of London’s history, whispering tales of coal dust, music, and survival against the tide. I might just pop back with a cuppa one day and see if she’s got any more stories to share.

If you enjoyed reading this article and want to support my work, you can now buy me a coffee ☕️.

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/TabbyLondon

Thank you for your attention.

Best wishes

Tabby