This impressive barge caused quite a stir in Monmouth last week, as it appeared harboured at the town's rowing club on Wednesday (13th February).

The Dutch barge, originally used as a crane carrier, was stopping off on its journey from Hereford, having made the first voyage 23 years ago.

The 280 tonne, 135 ft barge is claimed to be the largest vessel to ever travel both ways up the river, even navigating the rapids at Symonds Yat.

The boat's appearance caught the attention of a lot of people, no more than twin brothers John and Paul Davies, whose ancestors were bargemen in the 19th century living at the St George Quay, demolished when the A40 came through.

Chivral Davies, and his son George were based in Monmouth, Chivral having his own barges until a flood wiped out most of them; he then worked for Watkins's timber merchants. George would help in the rescue of bodies who had either drowned or were drowning in the River Wye and was awarded a Humane Society medal for his efforts, having rescued 25 people.

Following Chivral's death, his widow lived in the Watermans Arms, another casualty of the A40's arrival.