Leonard Bentley
Westminster Pier
Paddle steamers had been plying the Thames since the 1830s with various degrees of commercial success. In 1905 the London County Council decided to set up its own river boat service and compete with the already existing companies so that an up to date river transport system could be implemented. It was not a success, by 1907 the idea was scrapped and the boats sold, invariably at a considerable loss. The river was more utilised in Victorian and Edwardian times but even then it was hard to make it pay.
The Paddle Steamer in the foreground is the 'Carlyle' which was built for the LCC by the Thames Ironworks at Blackwall. It was sold to the Tay Steamboat Company in 1909.
Westminster Pier
Paddle steamers had been plying the Thames since the 1830s with various degrees of commercial success. In 1905 the London County Council decided to set up its own river boat service and compete with the already existing companies so that an up to date river transport system could be implemented. It was not a success, by 1907 the idea was scrapped and the boats sold, invariably at a considerable loss. The river was more utilised in Victorian and Edwardian times but even then it was hard to make it pay.
The Paddle Steamer in the foreground is the 'Carlyle' which was built for the LCC by the Thames Ironworks at Blackwall. It was sold to the Tay Steamboat Company in 1909.