History of the Woolwich Ferry

The Woolwich Ferry has used three main generations of vessels since it launched in 1889. 

These include two generations of paddle steamers followed by the diesel-powered motor ships still in use today.

Series one

The first fleet of ferries were paddle steamers built between 1888 and 1893. They could carry 1,000 passengers and up to 20 vehicles.

• Vessel size: 490 gross tonnes
• Dimensions: 164 feet long, 60 feet wide
• Speed: 8 knots
• Boats: Gordon, Duncan, and Hutton

The Gordon (1888)

Built by R and H Green in 1888 and named after General Charles Gordon of Khartoum (1833 to 1885), who was born in Woolwich and trained at the Royal Military Academy.

The Duncan (1888)

Built by R and H Green in 1888. Named after Colonel Francis Duncan (1836 to 1888), MP, military historian, and founding director of the St John Ambulance Brigade. He is buried in Charlton.

The Hutton (1893)

Built by William Simons and Co. Ltd in 1893. Named after Sir John Hutton, chairman of the London County Council from 1892 to 1895.

Series two

These newer paddle steamers entered service between 1922 and 1930. 

By the end of their service, they had travelled over 400,000 miles and carried 180 million passengers and 55 million vehicles and cycles.

• Vessel size: 625 tonnes
• Dimensions: 166 feet long, 44 feet wide
• Boats: Squires, Gordon, Will Crooks, and John Benn

The Squires (1922)

Built by Samuel White and Co. and named after William James Squires (1850 to 1931), a local bookseller and stationer who was twice Mayor of Woolwich.

The Gordon (1923)

A newer version of the earlier vessel, also built by Samuel White and Co., and again named after General Gordon.

The Will Crooks (1930)

Built by Samuel White and Co. and named after Will Crooks (1852 to 1921), Woolwich’s first Labour MP and former Mayor of Poplar.

The John Benn (1930)

Built by Samuel White and Co. Named after Sir John Benn (1850 to 1922), an early member and chair of the London County Council, and ancestor of MP Tony Benn.

Series three

The third generation of ferries, introduced in 1963, were diesel-powered motor ships. They were designed for improved vehicle handling and two-way travel.

• Vessel size: 738.5 gross tonnes
• Dimensions: 185.6 feet long, 61 feet wide
• Speed: 8 knots
• Capacity: 500 passengers, 200 tons of vehicles
• Boats: John Burns, Ernest Bevin, and James Newman

These ferries are double-ended, with 2 propellers—one at each end—powered by 500-horsepower diesel engines. 

This gives them the high manoeuvrability needed for tidal conditions on the Thames at Woolwich.

The John Burns (1963)

Named after John Elliot Burns (1858 to 1943), London County Council member and President of the Local Government Board. He famously described the Thames as “liquid history”.

The Ernest Bevin (1963)

Named after Ernest Bevin (1881 to 1951), founder of the Transport and General Workers Union and Foreign Secretary from 1945 to 1951. He represented Woolwich in Parliament in 1950.

The James Newman (1963)

Named after James Newman, a respected Woolwich teacher and local government figure. 

He was Mayor of Woolwich and helped found the Woolwich Council of Social Service. He was appointed OBE in 1948.