The Shaft of Light is an ex Norfolk Broads, hire fleet cruiser from the 1940s. She's still afloat, is in private ownership, and is beautifully maintained by the Moorhouse family. The family hired the boat for holidays in the 1950s and eventually bought her in 1974. She is now moored at Horning, and is still used regularly for family holidays.
The photographs and text below were kindly submitted by Jane Sutherland
In January 2005. Jane e-mailed me to say "I just wanted to update you on the Shaft of Light ownership. Sadly, she is no longer owned by my family but has been sold on to a very enthusiastic owner who has moved her to the South Broads and is lavishing her with money and attention to ensure that she continues to sail for many more years. It was a hard decision for my family to make and we miss sailing her."
Click the pictures for an enlarged view
In the 1970s I can remember the Broads being full of boats and visitors all summer long, and on Saturdays the boatyard was very busy with cleaners working on the boats, visitors arriving and departing, and the day trippers arriving in their coaches and getting on the huge day boats. My grandparents passed the boat on to my mother about 15 years ago, and after the yard changed hands it became necessary to moor her elsewhere. So my mother moved her to South Quays Marina, Horning, and Lady Edith's been there ever since. |
Internally, there is a sea toilet in the rear of the boat and a shower at the front, where there was originally another toilet. The galley area has been refitted over the years to try and maximize the space, but she still retains virtually all the original brasswork, woodwork, the original mattresses (oh yes!) and so on. We still have, and still use, the original gearlever (3'6" long) that comes out of the floor of the wheelhouse/bridge. We have tried very hard to maintain the original look and feel of the boat, whilst keeping her up to date with legislation and practical requirements. We feel very honoured to have her, as there are so few of the old boats left.
Over the years the boat has seen 4 generations holiday on her, not to mention 12 dogs and a hamster! We have, in the past, spent whole fortnights with 4 adults, 4 children and 2 dogs on board, and we have had many very happy, giggly, holiday times.
| The history of Monarch and Star Supreme 1, former Norfolk Broads hire cruisers |
| Other wooden Norfolk Broads boats from
the 1950s |
| 1960s Broads boats - page
1 and page 2 |
| Norfolk Broads - Blakes Holidays
Afloat 1947 | | Canals - Main page
|
In March 2004 - The owner of Glint of Light contacted me to say that he's in the process of restoring her. He adds that Queen of Light, a similar hull from the 50s, but with a different layout, was up for sale at Shepperton Marina.