1940s Houseboats - Channel 4 History documentary

[AlexDwiar]

Hi all,

I am currently researching for a Channel 4 history documentary, and was looking for some assistance regarding a specific houseboat I am looking for information on.

The boat was called the 'Dry Martini' (previously it had been called Dilkhusha) and was moored at Thames Ditton during the 1940s. It was owned by Victor Hervey (later the 6th Marquess of Bristol).

Any specific information any one has would be very gratefully received. If not, I would still be very grateful for any general information about what the style of houseboats in Thames Ditton during the 1930s and 1940s was.

Many thanks,

Alex

 

[tidechaser]

See if Mark Edwards at Richmond Boat House would be willing to assist. There are actually more than a few houseboats of this era still in use.

TideChaser

 

[Langley Iddins]

1940s Houseboats

I'm responding to a post you made back in 2008 which I just came across whilst doing some research. I'm sure you must have already tracked down the information on "Dry Martini" which you were looking for, perhaps you've even made the documentary now.

I live aboard houseboat Astoria. I believe "Dry Martini" may have been moored just upstream of Garrick Lawn during the 50s and 60s. John Heath, a boat builder in Hampton may be able to provide you with further information.

I am currently putting together a pictorial history of 'Astoria' which is one hundred years old this year (2011). I have collected a moderate amount of photographic material of houseboats moored on this stretch of the river. Particularly those on Taggs Island before the 'Portacabin' style of houseboat set in after WWII. If you have any yourself or think mine would be useful to you please do get in touch.

Langley Tel. 07904 255 083