Rowing crew of The St Michael's Mount Barge: Historical accounts from our platform's archive
A Bizarre Gang of Rowers
Six dapper chaps, seemingly out of place in their frock coats, frilly shirts, skirts, trousers, and leather helmets, pose for the camera. These six characters are actually the long oarsmen for the St Michael's Mount Barge, a ceremonial state barge dating back to the 18th century.
Sporting a bright red frock coat embellished with the coat of arms of St Aubyn on the left sleeve, they don fisherman's aprons underneath, giving an amusing appearance of wearing skirts. The ensemble is completed with a leather cap - modeled after a tin miner's helmet - adorned with a chough, the family crest. Traditionally, these oarsmen hailed from the Matthews family.
Reserved for the grandest guests, including royalty, the 27ft 4in vessel primarily served as transportation for honored guests to and from the tiny tidal island in Mount's Bay. A gangplank was conveniently stored onboard, swung over the bow to the beach, while two of the oarsmen would jump into the water to create a handrail.
When not needed for ceremonial purposes, the barge also served for sailing, including registered voyages as far as the Scilly Isles. However, it remains unknown whether these dashing gentlemen accompanied the boat on these journeys.
Image ArchiveOur platform's vast Image Archive houses over 150,000 images documenting British culture and heritage, spanning from 1897 to the present day. An additional 50,000 historic assets are scheduled to be added this year, with completion planned for Summer 2025. To search and purchase images directly from the Image Archive, please sign up here.
Stay UpdatedSubscribe to our platform's newsletter for exquisite houses, beautiful Nature photography, and lifestyle tips straight to your inbox.
Melanie BryanWith a career spanning national and international publications and publishers, Melanie Bryan is a freelance picture editor and writer. As the former Archive Manager at our platform magazine, her coverage extends from news and politics to sports, features, and everything in between. She currently resides in rural Ryedale, North Yorkshire, where her pastime consists of bicycling around the picturesque countryside and visiting local cafes and taverns.
Exhibiting a unique blend of tradition and modernity, these dapper oarsmen bring a distinctive charm to their home-and-garden lifestyle, as showcased in the various archived images. With their vibrant attire and role in the ceremonial St Michael's Mount Barge, they embody a captivating slice of British heritage that continues to intrigue and inspire.
