John Harker’s Shipyard, Knottingley, 10.09.1964
Built at the John Harker shipyard in Knottingley, the George Dyson was launched on 10th September 1964.
From the Pontefract & Castleford Express 17th September 1964 page 6:
“BARGE LAUNCHED
Mrs. F.S. Poole, wife of the Chairman of Laporte Acids, launched an all welded general cargo barge for G.D. Holmes Ltd., of Goole, at the shipyard of John Harker Ltd., Knottingley on Thursday.
The vessel is over 109 feet long and 17 feet 6 inches broad and has a carrying capacity of about 290 tons. It has a diesel engine and a speed of about seven knots. The cabin forward is arranged for a crew of two.”
GEORGE DYSON Official No. 305766
| Yard No. | Name | Type of Craft | Dimensions | Launched | Engine if Fitted | Owner/Built for |
| 317 | GEORGE DYSON | General Cargo Power Barge | 109’2″x17’6″x8′ | 10-09-1964 | 6cyl Gardner 150hp | G. D. Holmes Ltd. Goole |
Many thanks to Michael at Knottingley & Ferrybridge Online for the information and photographs and the permission to use them online here in the gallery below for Open Bridges.
For further Information:
The History of John Harker’s Shipyard at Knottingley by Ron Gosney: https://www.knottingley.org.uk/history/john_harkers.htm
For the yard list of vessels built at Harker’s compiled by Ron Gosney: https://www.knottingley.org.uk/history/harkerbuilt.htm
Rich and Lou Duffy-Howard
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And introducing, for 2024 – ‘Goole by Barge‘ exhibition of 60 photographs, music and videos taken from on board the real George Dyson, showing at Goole Museum February 9th – April 13th 2024. Info here