Speedy

Introduction

Speedy is the fictional wreck of a Thames Barge. 

Description

We're told that Speedy's stern and midships have rotted away until only the "bones" were left. Her bows, however, "still looked like the bows of a seagoing ship" (Secret Water, Chapter 8). Closer inspection showed that she had a foredeck, complete with a rusty windlass, a hatch and a tabernacle for her missing mast. This part of the wreck was freshly tarred.

Inside the bows Ransome describes a cabin made of age-blackened wood and equipped with a rusty stove and rough furniture, including a bunk, a table, a seat and some shelves.  

Ownership

Unknown: Speedy has, essentially, been abandonned by her owners. In Secret Water the Mastodon has taken over the wreck, but probably has no claim to legal ownership.

Speedy appears in

Secret Water.

Factual Inspiration

There is no known single direct inspiration for Speedy. However, the backwaters of the East Coast would have (and still do) have numerous wrecks such as this, where old barges have been laid up when no longer needed. It is possible that Ransome knew one or more from the days when he used to explore the Walton Backwaters before he wrote Secret Water.

There is also a tradition of re-using barges and similar craft as houseboats, and many of these can be seen today at Pin Mill.

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