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Model of salt Trow Success.

These trading Trows were called “nasty Black Witches” by the Severn Estuary pilots because they avoided pilotage and lock tolls whenever possible. They were constructed to the maximum dimensions to fit the Barge Locks being 68 to 70 feet long and 14ft 6inches wide Beam. When laden with 90 to 115 tons of salt they drew 6 to 7 foot draught, and when fully laden had about 6 inches of freeboard in the middle.Known as open hold barges a framework of iron yokes and poles was boarded up and then completely battened down with tarpaulins to make a waterproof structure, as the slightest moisture destroyed the salt.
The mast was lowered to negotiate Worcester and Gloucester bridges. Max