These vessels, with their tan sails, would carry hay, straw and grain up to the Capital to feed the growing number of horses that were used, and in return would bring manure and used straw back to Essex. These cargoes were generally referred to as 'London mixture'.

At the height of their popularity around 1860, there were over 5000 Sailing Barges along the East Coast between Kent and Essex. Today, there are no more than thirty five of these vessels left, and probably no more than twenty five in sailing condition.

Hythe Quay at Maldon is home port to the largest fleet of fully rigged sailing barges, and on any week day up to ten of these vessels can be seen alongside at the Quay.

The majority of Barges which frequent Hythe Quay at Maldon are available for charter, for further information visit:

Topsail Charters [home of Reminder, SB Repertor, Thistle and Hydrogen]
www.wyvenhoe.co.uk
Thames Sailing Barge Trust [home of Pudge and Centaur]