Medway use (1803)

Post date: Feb 27, 2012 5:21:30 PM

Advert from Morning Chronicle 13 July 1803

MAIDSTONE VESSELS, belonging to the Bridge Wharf Company, sail to and from Maidstone New Wharf No. 10, Queenhithe Dock, Upper Thames-street, London, every Wednesday; and take in goods for Ashford, Aylesford, Bearstead, Boxley, Broughton, Brenchley,Burwash, Chatham, Cranbrook, East and West Farleigh, East Malling, Goudhurst, Harrietsham, Hawkhurst, Headcorn, Hollingborn, Hunton, Lamberhurst, Leeds, Lenham, Linton, Loose, Marden, Mereworth, Mill Hall, New Frith, Pluckley, Rochester, Staplehurst, Stroud, Tenterden, Teston, Town Malling, Town Sutton, Tunbridge, Tadhurit, Wateringbury, Yalding and all places adjacent.

-Not accountable for loss by fire.

Mr. G. HEYBURN, Agent and Wharfinger.

N.B. Goods taken in at all times, and Malt, Hops, Corn, Seeds and Flour, landed and housed.

The Medway above Maidstone only became navigable following the set-up of The Medway Navigation Company (or to give it its full name The Medway Company of Proprietors of the Navigation of the River Medway) by Act of Parliament in 1739 . Between 1740 and 1747 it constructed a series of locks on the river between Maidstone and Tonbridge making the river navigable over this part of its . The company levied tolls on traffic and had its own barges for certain products such as coal and by the early 19th century was very profitable at least until the advent of railway competition from 1844. The Barges were probably under 40 tonnes in weight and carried sails.