The King Harry Ferry over the River Fal, nr. Falmouth, Cornwall
A Victorian Post Card from a time when Photography was either too new and too expensive for low cost Tourist Souvenirs. But Raphael Tuck and Sons., took advantage of the new holiday travel phenomena and secured the work of Artist to capture ‘favourite ‘ views.
This is King Harry Ferry (or Passage as it once was known). No one is sure just how old this ferry crossing is…. just that it is so old, that just which King Harry it is named after, is not defined.
I stumbled upon this Post Card and recalled that I must have a shot of the Ferry, from pretty much the same spot…. so thought I would try and dig it out from deep in the archive, to see what has changed.
The answer is, ‘Not Much’. True the ferry boat in the Post Card is Steam powered and the more recent image it is Diesel powered. As for the ‘boat’ itself, I guess best described as a raft, connected to both sides of the crossing by chains – the power source is used to pull the vessel across by means of cog and chain.
Centuries of providing a vital link for passengers and vehicles, and at times their cattle, across the Fal River just down stream from the mighty Falmouth Estuary and Bay…… still going strong. A vital local link but also an interesting Tourist Attraction.
Please Remember ….
Stay Safe …. Be Kind…. Look After Each Other
2nd April
(C) David Oakes 2024
DAVID OAKES - IMAGES. 