Times change - # 273
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For more than 100 years until the arrival of steam power this spot - the end of River Lane, Petersham - was a hive of industry. Cargo barges sailed up and down river carrying important cargoes of grain, hides and other commodities to and from London and its great sea port.
At this point they had to change from sail to being pulled by horse because the river became inconvenient to navigate.
At any one time 70 barge-horses were available in stables ready to take on the next barge, or drop it off. This was no quiet beauty-spot, but an important transport interchange.
Nothing is fixed...........change happens, and it happens quickly.
I am guessing those horses were glad the barge industry ended and they could be put out to pasture. But on the other hand, in those days, lots of animals were just work horses and disposed of when no longer needed. So many of the horses in this country end up in dog food. Which is a pity.
ReplyDeleteI like your photograph of a time past. Lovely fall colors on the trees too.
Amazing to read the history and see it now. Must have been quite something in the old days with 70 barge horses. Lovely photo. So peaceful.
ReplyDeleteThe story you tell is amazing. Are there any traces or signs of this past activities?
ReplyDeleteHaving lived on a barge and sailed extensively I am always interested in all things boaty.
As usual - great post - so interesting as well as a beaut photo!!!!
ReplyDeleteHi,it is really interesting to hear and see the history of Richmond and it's surrounds...having newly moved into the area and an avid amateur historian...it's lovely to meet a kindred spirit...
ReplyDeleteIt looks an idyllic place. To think of all that vivid activity that once took place there ...
ReplyDeleteI'd like to say something nice about this photo, but it is rather tedious, isn't it? The procession of verticals promises something but it isn't delivered and the rest seems empty. I'm bewildered by comments about "fall-colours" and "lovely photo" because unless my screen is wonky, everything looks green and grey. C'mon Chucker, we know you can do better!
ReplyDeleteHaving said that, the text is very worthwhile
@richard.....".....you always hurt the one you love". I promise to try even harder.
ReplyDeleteYou mean, there were horses pulling the barges from both side of the banks, right? Otherwise, the barges will crash onto the side of the river.
ReplyDeleteI'm still trying to figure out the logistic of how the horse barge thing works.
Nothing is fixed--how true. Life will teach you that, one way or another.
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