Peacock (narrowboat) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids History |
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|---|---|
 United Kingdom |
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| Name | Peacock |
| Owner |
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| Builder | Fellows Morton and Clayton, Saltley Dock, Birmingham |
| In service | 1915 |
| Reclassified | Tugboat/Houseboat (1952-1993) |
| Status | Museum ship |
| General characteristics | |
| Class and type | Flyboat |
| Type | Narrowboat |
| Length | 69.97 ft (21.33 m) o/a |
| Beam | 6.98 ft (2.13 m) |
| Depth | 2.98 ft (0.91 m) |
| Propulsion | 15hp Bolinder petrol engine |
The Peacock is a special kind of British narrowboat. It was built in 1915 in Saltley, Birmingham, for a company called Fellows Morton and Clayton (FMC). This company used to carry goods along the canals.
Peacock was known as a 'flyboat'. This meant it worked day and night without stopping. Because of this, the living areas for the all-male crew were very simple.
The Peacock's Working Life
The Peacock was built as fleet number 102 for FMC. Before Peacock, FMC used steam-powered flyboats, like the President. But in 1912, they started using motor boats, and Peacock was one of them.
This boat worked with FMC's northern group of boats. It continued to carry goods until 1948. At that time, the canals and many transport companies in the UK were taken over by the government.
Later Years and Preservation
After 1948, Peacock was sold. From 1952 to 1993, it was used for different jobs. It worked as a tugboat, pulling other boats. It was also used as a houseboat, which is a boat people live on.
In 1993, the Peacock was bought by the Birmingham Museum of Science and Industry. This museum is part of the Birmingham Museums Trust.
Experts say that Peacock is one of the most original FMC boats still around. It has never been changed or rebuilt. Most of its original parts and fittings are still there. The engine it uses today is from the 1920s. It's a 15-horsepower Bolinder petrol engine.
Where to See the Peacock Today
Today, the Peacock is on loan to the Black Country Living Museum. You can visit it there and see it docked at the Black Country Living Museum boat dock. This dock is located in the Lord Ward's Canal Arm in Dudley.
The Peacock is also officially listed as part of the National Historic Fleet. This means it's recognized as an important part of Britain's history on the water.
