Dorset boatbuilder and Weymouth College head of maritime skills Ian Baird has sent over a scan of this fine magic lantern slide of the sailing barge Charles Hutton being loaded with what is believed to be Portland stone.
Barge folks… Is anything known about this sailing barge, or the Portland stone trade please?
Thanks for the great shot Ian!
PS – This photo and request for information has attracted some great, informative responses from readers. Click on the comments link for more about the barge in the photo, the Portland stone trade, great old photos and something about local wreck archaeology. Thanks everyone, including Chris Brady, Mick Nolan, and Paul Mullings.