The Cambria was built in 1906, and during her working life she transported goods along England’s east and southern coasts, and across the channel. She also took part in sailing races known as ‘barge matches’.

The Cambria traded until 1970 when the Maritime Trust acquired her and she became an exhibit first in St Katharine’s Docks in London and later in Sittingbourne (following her purchase by the Cambria Trust). By 2005 her condition had deteriorated so much that major works were necessary to restore her.

HLF support enabled the repair, conservation and conversion of the barge into an educational resource. The barge offers a teaching space as well as accommodation and living quarters for learners. The works have made the Cambria seaworthy again. Today she is predominantly used as a training charter vessel but is accessible to visitors at certain times of the year in London and along the Thames and Medway estuaries and even participates in barge matches.

The Cambria is used to train Thames Boatmen for their licence to work on the Thames. She is also used to introduce seamanship to groups of people through charters and trips organised for young carers.