Spritsail Barge, Golden Fleece

[Timcowen]

Can anyone help?
Lying forelorn as a rotting hulk at Pin Mill is the hull of a spritsail barge, the Golden Fleece. The last time I saw her, a couple of years ago, she had a large number of gaping holes in her hull and I would imagine has not risen with the tide for many a year. There was what I can only describe as a 'Garden Shed' on her deck!! About 1900 - 1918 she belonged to my great grandfather, Edward Stephens of Hythe, Hampshire. I am trying to establish who owns her now and indeed any history regarding her. There was some suggestion that someone does actually own her and in doing so retains some sort of right over the piece of shoreline she is close to.
Thanks in anticipation

 

[Sniper]

Ask the next door neighbour at Pin Mill - he'll tell you who owns her. As far as rights over the foreshore goes - that's a very difficult question to answer, given that three statutory authorities have some legal interest; Ipswich Borough Council, Babergh District Council and Associated British Ports. Oh, and throw in the National Trust for good measure - they own the land onto which most of the houseboats land. Its a very complicated situation down there - trust me, I know!

 

[Sixpence]

If you're thinking what I think you're thinking , you have my admiration and respect , but please look at this link to see how many pitfalls there can be . And be very careful
http://www.ybw.com/forums/showflat.php/Cat/0/Number/993493/an/0/page/5#993493

best of luck , and let me know if you need any help
Dave

 

[Timcowen]

Hi Dave,
Luckily I'm not thinking what you thought I might be thinking. To be honest I would like the chance to have a keepsake for family reasons. Below decks for instance I can still see what I assume to be a registerd number carved into a timber, in very good condition. A couple of hard winters and she'll be gone, if not already!!
cheers and where are you and your endeavour