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BUFFALO (see BUFFALO (b) at foot of this page)

BUFFALO with a train of gravel barges in West London on 28th July 1906

( BW192/3/2/2/12/8/24)

Click on photograph above to view more images

N.B. Certainly two different craft (A & B) but date of change uncertain.

Craft

Fleet No

Built at

Hull

Cost

Type

BUFFALO (A)

Uxbridge, 1890

Steam canal boat/Tug

Owners

Address

Source for

First Date

London & Birmingham Canal Carrying Co William Mead & Co Western Cartage Co

8 St Catherine Ct Seething Lane London EC Paddington & Iver North Wharves, Paddington

Watermans Hall 1437 Reg Inspection

7.2.1891 3.4.1900 28.3.1913

Steamer Registrations

Owner

Place

PH No

As

Date Inspected

Date Registered

London & Birmingham CCCo William Mead & Co Western Cartage

Uxbridge Tring Uxbridge

144 64 478

Tug Wide (8’) steam tug Steam Wide Fly

28.3.1913

27.1.1891 3.4.1900 28.3.1913

Steamer Gaugings

Owner

Place

Gauging Number

Notes

Date

London & Birmingham CCCo

`

9623

3.9.1894

Boiler

Engine

Steamer History

Fly by shifts (reg) Inspected at Daventry. Master John Boys (with wife and 4 children –eldest 8 years) (MP) Photographed at Bushells BrosYard after refit (C&RC) RHC Reading PDX 375/9/10/BW4809 Photo BW 5821 Photo BW 2726 towing gravel boats Census at Paddington Crew: mate Ernest George Frampton 2 cabins 5’2 x 8’0 x 7’4 Aft and 5’6 x 10’0 x 7’6 Fore ..Fit for human habitation (reg)

24.7.1893 1906 28.7.1906 2.4.1911 3.1913

Fate

Boat destroyed (PoL)

Date

3.9.1898

Documents on file

Port of London Gauging 9623 pc 3.9.1894

Correspondence Millner re canal blockage pc 1-24.9.1896

Millner Letters

1.9.1896 Your steamer PHOENIX and the L&BCCo steamer BUFFALO blocked off all traffic at Stoke yesterday for 24 hours and delayed some 40 boats. I have a report from our tug master on the 28^th ulto that your new steamer PRINCESS ran into the company’s Blisworth Tug on the 2.o/c turn and also the boat behind and broke the tug’s towrope and turned the boats across the tunnel. Millner/FMC

1.9.1896 I beg to report that the traffic at Stoke top lock was blocked for 24 hours from 5.40 am yesterday until 6.00 am this morning and was caused by the L&BCC’s steamer BUFFALO Captain W Edwards and FM&C Ltd steamer PHOENIX Captain A Humphrey running into the lock and refusing to give way. The PHOENIX caught the BUFFALO in Blisworth Tunnel. I am informed Edwards signalled to the PHOENIX (which had a perishable cargo) to pass when outside the tunnel. Instead of doing so he jammed the PHOENIX and broke his own tow line – Edwards then ran his own steamer (BUFFALO) into the lock and left his butty boat behind – the PHOENIX followed and both steamers remained in the lock. Edwards (BUFFALO) was ordered by the lock keeper to give way but he refused.

I was at Braunston in the morning and could not get to Stoke until 3.30 pm. I tried both persuasion and force to remove Edwards and it was not till I got there this morning that he would give way which he did by pulling out of the lock. Some 40 boats were delayed. I shall be glad of your immediate instructions whether I am to take out a summons against Edwards or both Captains under Penal Enactment 30 and claim full penalty. I am, yours faithfully, T W Millner (to GC Thomas, Bulbourne)

4.9.1896 Stoppage at Stoke: In reply to yours of the 3^rd inst, I have taken out summonses against the Captains of the Steamers BUFFALO and PHOENIX under the 89^th section of the Company’s act and a third summons on the BUFFALO for strapping round the lock gate balance on our endeavouring to force the boat out of the lock (under Bye Law 13.

Edwards has been troublesome for some time and only a fortnight ago I gave orders for him to be watched when passing Buckby and Braunston.

I had instructed Mr Whitton, magistrates clerk, of Towcester, before receipt of your letter.

With regard to the stoppage I tried to remove the BUFFALO out of the lock, but the driver left working the engine and we were unable to clear the gates. I then called on the Police to assist us but to no purpose. If I had obtained the necessary horses and men to force the boat out of the lock we should have had a breach of the peace and no police to assist us.

The case will be heard on the 22^nd inst at Towcester and Mr Whitton would like a copy of the company’s act to present before the magistrates. Yrs obediently TW Millner (to Hubert Thomas, 21 Surrey Street)

11.9.1896 In reply to yours of the 10^th inst. Humphries , the Captain of the PHOENIX saw me on Sunday morning respecting his summons and I told him I could do nothing for him but that he might write or see you if he wanted any consideration. I do not attach so much blame to him as the lock was his and the stoppage was caused by Edwards. I think a small fine before the magistrates would meet Humphries case but Edwards I should like to make an example of and get off the Canal if possible. Both men have had the summonses served on them. (Millner to Hubert Thomas 21 Surrey St)

11.9.1896 Stoppage at Stoke: The Captains of the Steamers BUFFALO and PHOENIX have been served with summonses and the case will be heard on the 22^nd inst at Towcester – Mr Whitton is Solicitor for the Company. Can you tell me if the Company have any previous cases against Edwards of…………..told he was the………..that broke the padlock off Marsworth Lock gates and assaulted the lock keeper Cotterill. Millner/GC Thomas)

16.9. 1896 When will it be convenient for you to see me respecting the above case, which I understand will be heard next Tuesday. (Millner/ Whitton)

22.9.1896 I beg to report that this case was heard atTowcester today with Lord Eaton as Chairman of the Magistrates. At Lord Euston’s suggestion Mr Whitton withdrew the summons against Humphrey and Edwards was fined 20/- for strapping round the lock gate………..20/- for obstructing the traffic with an additional 12/- costs. Our case against Edwards was only partially heard when the Chairman intimated the bench had heard sufficient evidence and had made up their minds. It would be a good thing to get the Edwards family removed from the canal if possible. (Millner/H Thomas)

22.9.1896 I have to report that this case was heard at Towcester today. At Lord Euston’s suggestion, Mr Whitton withdrew the summons against Humphrey. Edwards was fined 20/- for strapping round the gate balance and 20/- for stopping the traffic with an additional 12/- costs.

24.9.1896 I beg to return the Company’s Act. I should like to ask for a spare copy of this as the one belonging to this office has been taken away. Referring to the stoppage, I requested Humphrey to pull out of the lock after I found it impractical to shift Edwards.

In case of another stoppage and the boatmen refuse to give way shall I be right in using force to clear the traffic.I beg to thank you for the sheets of Bye Laws and a few copies in book form would be useful. The original 200 yard distance posts are gone at Stoke top and bottom and also at Cosgrove and Fenny. Will you please say if you object to my replacing them. Regarding the one for the top of Stoke do you think it advisable to refix this post bearing in mind the following notice which is posted at Stoke Pass Office and also at Braunston..

GJCCo

Notice

All boats leaving the south end of Blisworth Tunnel are to take their turn of the locks in the same order as tugged through the tunnel.

By order

(Millner/H Thomas)

BUFFALO (B)

Is it too much of a coincidence?

(Steam on Canals , C.P. and C. R. Weaver, p 27)

For a movie clip of this craft, taken 11^th May 1931, see http://www.movietone.com , register and go to Clip No 1196/2

Craft

Fleet No

Built at

Hull

Cost

Type

BUFFALO (B)

Steam Tug

Owners

Address

Source for

First Date

Gardner, Locket & Hinton Charrington, Gardner, Locket Ltd

Fenchurch Ave, EC 3 Moved to 13 Fenchurch Street 16 Mark Lane, London, EC 3

Registration

25.9.1917 27.11.1919 16.11.1922

Steamer Registrations

Owner

Place

PH No

As

Date Inspected

Date Registered

As above

Paddington

250

Wide Steam Tug

2.8.1917

25.9.1917

Steamer Gaugings

Owner

Place

Gauging Number

Notes

Date

Boiler

Engine

Steamer History

2 cabins Aft Cabin Dims (HxLxW): 5'3"x7'6"x7'0"  Fore Cabin Dims (HxLxW): 5''7"x10'0"x7'0"

Fate

Not known

Date

RE: The Movietone story 1196/2 'English Canalways To Be Transformed', and PRINCE REGENT/BUFFALO.

The Location.
The image which appears in the Weaver's 'Steam on Canals' is indeed the same vessel in the same location on the Regent's Canal at Kensal Green approaching the former Gas Works basin (recently filled in) with coal barges in tow. This 'still', would 'appear' to have been shot from the bridge carrying the towpath over the entrance to the Gas Works basin. Behind the tug is a rather murky atmosphere through which no bridge across the canal can be seen, though there is a definite outline of a large building beyond. Slightly to the right of that, and directly above the second tow, is seen another building outline which still stands today, and is seen HERE. (Left click on the streetview and hold down, then drag right and left to view right and left).

The film clip shows the same tug, same steerer with trilby, same woman (most likely) in the fore hatches with her arm now down, and probably the same tow. (Three long blasts on the hooter may have been to announce arrival to those supervising unloading). However, the location 'seems' to be a little different from the 'still'. The camera angle is from a slightly lower level and there is a raised section of towpath immediately outside what is now the Canal Activity Centre with extant dock beneath from which this could have been filmed. There is clearly a bridge in the background and beyond is seen what could be a chimney - but no outline of a large building as seen in the still. This location I feel is surely in the same spot between the Gas Works and Ladbroke Grove, but the surroundings look a little deceiving. If this were further back towards the Harrow Road bridge the curve of the cut and the adjacent buildings rule out most everywhere - except by the Gas Works - yet Ladbroke Grove bridge is not seen in the still. However, that it is Ladbroke Grove bridge in the film clip is certain, as the Kensal Green Cemetery building (a Chapel maybe) still stands and is visible on the left, set at an angle. The ramp leading down is still there, and if you backtrack to the previous sequence of the towed barges without tug, you will be able to make out the towpath and pipe bridge that takes both over the entrance to Marylebone Dock just beyond the bridgehole on the right. So I'll plump for both the still, and the film clip being taken from close by the Gas Works, and the amount of smoke and general filth in the air (perhaps some developing adjustment also) has created more of a puzzle with certain buildings 'disappearing'.

The tug name. From the still it is impossible to see any name other than CHARRINGTON GARDNER LOCKET Co. But from the clip, not only do we see that, but more - albeit very fuzzy. There are a string of letters between the two side hatches (Bushell's BUFFALO had one set and a longer foredeck), and behind the engineer peering out is a name. Repeated viewings show it likely to be BUFFALO, but this is not the BUFFALO that appears outside Bushell's yard at New Mill - different boat unless drastically changed. Look carefully at what appears to be the name 'BUFFALO', is there a possibility that above and below those letters there have been previous words? Their length might also lead one to think they may have been the same length as the words PRINCE REGENT, rubbed out and replaced with the single name - BUFFALO. Did PRINCE REGENT get renamed? But perhaps that may be stretching it a bit!

Bridges.
The only bridges that carry roads across the canal between Kensal Green Gas Works and Paddington Stop, carry; Ladbroke Grove; Great Western Road; and Harrow Road. There are three footbridges; Marylebone Dock;  'Halfpenny' (gone, but replaced with another); and the one by Blomfield Road. Harrow Road bridge is comparatively small, has brick abutments with a slightly curved cast iron side plates, and Great Western Road has a riveted Victorian span but a clearly long curved arch beneath. Ladbroke Grove is the most likely contender, and of which I have no visual image other than that available from Google Maps in local photographs.
This shows the PRIDE OF SLOUGH (if you have visited Slough this vessel may seem appropriate) but more notably, the ramp and balustrade, along with an indication of a flat span, though nowadays topped with railings above the side plates. This, along with the cemetery building seat at 45° to the bridge, confirms to me the location of the film strip. The elevated point of view would be from that raised section in front of what is now the 'Canal Activity Centre'. This whole area was all gas Works - the 'Western Gas Works' according to my 1951 Greater London Atlas. No rail connection seemed to have existed for coal delivery despite being right next door to the GWR. Coal came by boat, tipped from the coal sidings at Marylebone (also long gone).

Derek Reynolds.