It is a sad fact that owners of merchant vessels had no legal obligation to advise authorities upon the disposal of their ships, barges or lighters. Some of course did, however most choose not too and in turn left a legacy of unanswered questions and uncertainty. There will of course be a myriad of reason why this was the case be it financial, legal or indeed marital as many vessels of the day where often in owners next of kin or wives names, one can only assume for tax purposes or a desire not to pay death duties. Either way, other than Graham Farrs wonderful 1934 image of Alick Gardners gridiron, detailing the of sites use to beach, store and eventually recover their seasoned oak timbers, for reuse in serviceable craft, which ‘hove too’ on the shipyards robust timber baulks for maintenance. Unknown 3 is seen in various advanced states of demolition/decay and thus is her remaining timbers are considered to remain still, entombed in Severn silt, waiting to be uncovered.

Located in 4th August 1934 Graham Farrs photo
Seen in 1939 Graham Farrs photo