One of the UK’s last remaining paddle steamers is currently moored in the Floating Harbour after its hull was rebuilt at Albion Dockyard.
The Medway Queen was built at Troon in 1924 and in the early part of the 20th century took holidaymakers between Strood and Southend calling at Sun Pier (Chatham), Upnor and Sheerness with additional destinations such as Herne Bay, Clacton and occasionally Margate.
During World War 2, it became a Royal Navy ship patrolling the Straits of Dover, later being used as a marina clubhouse and nightclub at Island Harbour on the Isle of Wight.
The ship’s trip to Bristol follows years of neglect and a subsequent fundraising effort to bring the Medway Queen back to life.
Once there are four days of clear weather forecast, the boat will be towed back to its original home of the river Medway and back to a new berth at Gillingham Pier.
