Built in 1898, Lady Hatherton is a unique survivor of the working, horse-drawn era of the waterways. Although little used during her early life, the story of her survival is one of the most dramatic of any craft and includes some major transplant work.Early lifeOriginally built as an inspection launch for the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal Company, she was named after the wife of its chairman, who requested that '1898' be added after her name. The main cabin was furnished as a boardroom: a mahogany table ran from end to end with long seats on both sides. She was kept at Compton in a covered dock, and was used sparingly by the company's directors for inspections. From the late 30s she was based at Stourport.
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