Prince Frederick's Barge facts for kids
The Prince Frederick's Barge is a special boat that was once used by British royalty. It is about 63 feet (19 meters) long. This beautiful boat was designed by a famous artist named William Kent. It was built in 1732 by John Hall on the South Bank of the River Thames in London. The barge was made for Frederick, Prince of Wales, who was the son of the king and next in line to the throne.
A Royal Ride
Prince Frederick's Barge was built to be a grand and important vessel. It was used for royal ceremonies and special events on the water. Imagine the prince and other important people traveling in such a fancy boat!
After Prince Frederick passed away in 1751, the barge continued to be used by other kings and queens of Britain. It served the royal family for many years, showing off their power and style on the rivers.
Its Journey to a Museum
By 1849, the barge was no longer actively used for royal events. It was carefully taken apart into three large sections. These sections were then stored safely at the Royal Barge House in Windsor Great Park. This kept the historic boat protected for many decades.
In 1951, King George VI decided to share this piece of history with everyone. He loaned the Prince Frederick's Barge to the National Maritime Museum. Today, you can visit the museum and see this amazing royal barge on display. It's a great way to learn about royal transport from a long time ago!
See also
- State Barge of Charles II
- Queen Mary's Shallop
- Gloriana
