A fine model of 'Duchess Countess' recently completed by Lyn Rogers of Carreghofa, Llanymynech

From a recent Press Release:

A keen local group is starting a serious search for funds

The development of plans to re-open the Montgomery Canal through the Llanymynech/Pant area has encouraged a new group to plan an exciting local project – to re-create the canal packet-boat ‘Duchess Countess’

This enthusiastic group, based on Llanymynech, has been working for some time on plans to recreate this boat as a local asset when the canal re-opens. They have been investigating all aspects of this project and have reached the stage of drawing up bids for funding.

If successful, the project will not only produce a replica boat for trips but will involve the community, giving an educational resource and an asset to the promotion of the local area to tourists. It will tie in with the efforts to exploit the local heritage and its interpretation. The building of the vessel will be within a ten mile radius of Llanymynech and will involve a craft training programme. The whole project will establish a long-term self-sustaining enterprise on the canal.

Many of our canals had packet-boats services at the end of the 18^th and beginning of the 19^th centuries. The Montgomery was no exception. These boats were the water buses of the canal system. They were faster than cargo boats and ran a regular service. The ‘Duchess Countess’ carried a "knife" on the prow to cut any obstructing ropes which impeded her progress.

The ‘Duchess Countess’ was the last packet boat to survive and after service on the Bridgewater canal she ended her days at Welsh Frankton as a houseboat. As she was beyond rescue and was such an important part of canal history, proper architect’s drawings were made before she was destroyed and a couple of artefacts were preserved.

"When complete, I envisage the boat based on the Pant / Llanymynech length of the canal", says John Martin, acting chair of the project, "It will be an important visitor attraction and should also provide an enjoyable educational resource for schools studying history, transport and the environment."

June 2003