Built in 1931 as a flour barge, the vessel was originally named Gainsborough Trader. She was constructed by Dunston’s of Thorne for Furley & Co Ltd, ordered on 20 June 1931 and completed on 9 October 1931. Initially operating on the Humber, the vessel later moved to the Thames following her acquisition by Pickfords, who used her as a lighter in their Port of London operations.

The Gainsborough Trader was notable for being the first steel Humber Keel equipped with both a motor and sails, retaining her original Kelvin diesel engine, affectionately known as ‘Harriet’. Prior to this, Humber Keels were either sailing barges or steam-powered vessels. Although she was built without sails, she carried a short mast and derrick rigged with a small sail to assist navigation in canals. She is referenced in Fred Schofield’s book Humber Keels and Keelsmen, which chronicles life on the Humber over the past century.

In 1994, Jay and Dawn Jones-Cooper discovered the vessel in poor condition. After consideration, they restored her original name, Gainsborough Trader, to better reflect her Humber keel heritage. The alternative name, M.F.H. (Master of Foxhounds), was deemed more suitable for a village pub than a barge.

Contrary to earlier rumors, it was confirmed through research by Dawn Jones-Cooper and John Knight, Honorary Archivist of the Association, that the vessel was a Dunkirk veteran. Requisitioned from Pickfords by the Ministry of War Transport during World War II, she was commanded by Captain W.H. Smith. The vessel arrived at Dunkirk during a bombing raid on 31 May 1940. Initially, she ferried troops from the beaches to larger ships, then was ordered to the Mole to embark 140 men and transport them back to England.

After the war, the Gainsborough Trader was returned to her owners and resumed her original trade until 1986. She was then purchased by a private owner who added a superstructure. Jay and Dawn Jones-Cooper acquired her in 1994. They retained her masts, sails, and rigging, and planned to replace some of her plates, although the vessel’s hull remains solidly constructed of 8mm steel riveted throughout.

Jay Jones-Cooper expressed a personal connection to the vessel, stating: "We have dreamed for years of living aboard and cruising/sailing in her. For us, it will be like living with a part of history, rather than just in a home built of bricks and mortar." The Gainsborough Trader has since changed ownership but remains cherished, with hopes to participate in the 2015 return to Dunkirk.

Additional Information

• Alan Gardiner (2010): Provided further historical context, noting that although the vessel was regarded by traditional keelmen as a steam keel, she was diesel-powered from the start and originally had no sails. He also mentioned photographic records of her working at York and Gainsborough, and identified her as a significant part of Humber maritime history.
• Previous Owner (2012): The vessel was purchased in 1977 and moored at Hayling Island before being moved to London the same year. In 1979, she was taken to Penryn, Cornwall, where she was rigged and restored. The owners sailed her to several notable fairs, including the Elephant fairs at St Germans and the Port Elliot Estate, and onward to Amsterdam. The family lived and worked aboard for over ten years. The third child was born aboard the vessel. The previous owner expressed regret that this part of the vessel’s history had been omitted from other accounts and shared contact information for those interested in further stories and photographs.

Personal Memories

Ilka Proszynska, the third child born aboard the vessel, recalls her early years fondly, describing the experience as a fantastic and unusual start to life and expressing gratitude to her parents for the adventure.