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Taylor's Boatyard and Dry Dock, Tower Wharf, Chester Basin, Shropshire Union Canal

J.P. Marine, Taylor's Boatyard and Dry Dock, Upper Cambrian Road, Chester CH1 4DE

Peter Askey of J.P. Marine, Marine Surveyors & Engineers has taken over the lease of Taylor's Boatyard and Dry Dock, Chester Basin, Shropshire Union Canal.

The historic boatyard Taylor’s Boatyard at Tower Wharf was for many years run by a well known character of the city of Chester David Jones, who repaired boats here for 35 years, but now retired.

Parts of the yard date from the 1840s, and it is said to be “possibly the best surviving example” of an historic boat-building yard. In its commercial heyday, the boatyard is said to have employed around 200 people, servicing the huge fleet of canal company working boats. It comprises a workshop, former saw mill building, former blacksmith’s workshop, covered slipway and dry dock.

The yard has been known as Taylor’s Boatyard since it was leased by Joseph Harry Taylor in 1921 when the Shropshire Union Railway & Canal Company ceased carrying. The Taylor family owned and ran the yard until 1972. Bithells Boats then took over the yard for two years before David Jones leased the property in 1974.

Prior to 1921, Taylors had a yard on the Dee Basin alongside South View Road. The Dee Basin Slipways were established by Joseph Harry Taylor about 1913.

Initially,Taylors operated the Graving Dock, and one of the 90 ft bays - the other half was operated by a Mr Horne, Canal Carrier of Cambrian Road. They also worked out of what was known as "Dandy's Shed". Dandy's Shed was removed when the North Basin was excavated.

In 2005 there was disappointment over the failure of a Lottery bid which would have restored the yard. It had been supported by waterway enthusiasts including Mr Taylor’s grandson Geoff Taylor, who lives in nearby Cambrian View. The western side of the canal, including the listed dry dock and roving bridge, will apparently remain untouched by the development opposite, but it is reported that, once again, the Taylor's boatyard complex was threatened with being turned into offices if a lessor was not forthcoming.

J.P. Marine, Inland Waterways Marine Surveyors & Engineers: Boat Surveys. B.S.S. Examinations (Private & Hire boats). Servicing & Repairs. Engines. Refits. Heating (Webasto, Erbaspacher, Mikuni, Alde), Diesel & Solid fuel stoves. Gas installations and repairs. Electrical Systems. Toilet Systems & Water Systems. Breakdown service.

For more information please contact J.P. Marine

Mob: 07552 127409

email: jpm@jpmarine.co.uk

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