The secure Archive is within the bounds of the Fambridge Yacht Haven at North Fambridge which is more or less central in barge terms. There is a railway station within a ten-minute walk, (North Fambridge on the Greater Anglia line from London to Southminster). The location for your Sat Nav is CM3 6LU.
The SSBR Archive
As a Research Society, one of our aims was to have a place of our own where barge-related documents and photographs could be securely stored, and then made accessible to members, barge historians and maritime researchers.
In 2005 we achieved that aim when we set up the SSBR Archive, based at North Fambridge, Essex, to provide a home for the collections of photographs, papers, books, etc, kindly donated to us by former bargemen, their families and others who have an interest in sailing barges.
Archive at North Fambridge
Inside of the unit storing the archive
Great care has been taken in providing the correct storage conditions within the Archive for catalogued collections of photographs, documents, visual records and related materials in a format which will enable members and researchers to obtain information where required.
Since the Archive opened in 2005 the number of items preserved has increased to well over 43,000.
We had been storing our event and display equipment at the Archive, but felt the ever-increasing number of photographs and papers meant we should look elsewhere for temporary extra accommodation for these heavy items such as tents, tables, chairs and display boards. A convenient building was found and rented on a shared basis with the Thames Sailing Barge Trust who also wanted extra storage.
At the same time it became apparent that the Archive unit itself was coming to the end of its useful life. A full review was carried out with the support of our members a new larger unit and store were purchased and relocated to Fambridge Yacht Haven
The new archive was opened by Hannah Cunliffe, Chairman of National Historic Ships UK at a ceremony on 10th October 2023 which was supported by members of the Society and other guests. The event also saw the launch of the new directory.
Don Wright is the Society’s Archivist and Curator. Don carries out the huge task of cataloguing and storing new items, and in addition deals with members, authors, film and television programme makers who are seeking photographs and historical information about Thames sailing barges and those who sailed them. The Society makes modest charges for photographic reproductions and photocopied material.
Matt Houston from sb Raybel restoration team visited the Archive where Don showed him material on Raybel. Credit: Raybel Charters
Visiting the Archive
Members or the public should not visit the Archive without making prior arrangement as it is not manned on daily basis. Usually someone will be at the Archive half a day each week.
Records in the Archive are available for inspection or for research purposes. Please contact Don Wright to make an appointment. His email address is:- saltcotebelle@gmail.com
Historical Records
Members of the Society hold all sorts of documentation, photographs, information and records about Thames sailing barges, the people who built and sailed them and the ports from which they sailed. Most of this information is held in private collections and not readily available to others.Through the auspices of the Society we will where possible try to answer any queries members may have or put them in touch with people who may be able to help.”
Donating your barge related items
Our members often wish to donate part or all of their private collections to SSBR so that they may be sure the material will be preserved, and we are then pleased to include them in the Archive.
Please contact Don Wright – email: saltcotebelle@gmail.com if you wish to donate material. We do have limited space for books. It would be helpful if a list of books you wish to donate could be emailed to us to make sure we can take them.
Or if you wish to leave the material to SSBR in your will, please click on the button below which will download the Bequest Form. This should be completed and forwarded to SSBR so that we are aware of your intentions.