Misterton was built in 1923 by J. Scarr and Sons at Beverly in Yorkshire for Furely & Co, a grain company. Designed to carry grain to Lincoln, she was built to the maximum dimensions of this waterway and is one of six 'Lincoln Keels' built. There are thought to be only three surviving today.
Keels are a type or barge used in the North East of England, before power they were square rigged sailing barges. Their design is thought to date back to a type of viking longship.
Originally she was probably built as a sailing barge, but had an engine fitted in 1948 - this engine is still in use today. At the same time she was fitted with a wheelhouse and chain steering, replacing the tiller previously used. With the engine installed Misterton was capable of carrying just over 100 tons and could tow two 'dumb' (unpowered) barges of similar size.
In 1967 she was sold to Albert Leslie Hill, who worked her as an owner/operator until 1994. She was then sold for conversion into a houseboat. She had a steel roof placed over the cargo hold, retaining the same profile as the covers she would have had as a working boat.
We bought her in 2008 and intend to restore her to a comfortable floating home, whilst retaining the external appearance of a British working barge.
She's on the National Register of Historic ships in the UK.