Norfolk

Norfolk appears in many postcards before and during WW1. She was owned from 1901 until sometime after WW1 by Arthur Healey (sometimes referred to as ‘Captain’). Apparently she was licenced for 101 passengers but, even with 80 or so, appeared overcrowded by modern standards.

This pre WW1 card featuring Norfolk at the loading steps is by Spry, with his details embossed bottom right. This appears to be a school party, judging by the uniforms. The gentleman on the steps may be Arthur Healey, who ran the craft from about 1901.

The William Wareham card shows the craft, possibly late in WW1, with a typical group of visitors loading it deep in the water. Note the stanchions or hoops supporting the folded cover.

Like other local craft she appears occasionally in newspaper articles, such as one from 2nd July 1913, when a local branch of the Oddfellows Society made a trip up river on her, which went very well and earned a glowing report.

Typical destinations were the Black Rabbit Inn above Arundel, or the town itself. Somewhat surprisingly she appears to have continued operating during WW1 (see the Vessel Incidents page where there are more pictures of this craft).

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