3-071-148 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

A coracle-race on the Severn, at Ironbridge, Shropshire, 1881. 'The use of small light boats, formed by stretching tarpaulin canvas, or other waterproof stuff, upon a frame of basket-work, is one of the ancient customs of Wales...A correspondent, Mr. Owen Gibbons, sends us a Sketch of the Coracle-race [at Ironbridge] on the 29th August, when there was a local holiday festival, with a variety of amusements on land and water. It will be observed that the coracle boatman does not row, but uses a single broad paddle at the prow of his little vessel, which is only about four feet long from stem to stern, and three feet broad. It is often carried on the back, hung by a strap fastened to the midship seat, while the paddle is stuck through two holes in the gunwales, as is shown in that carried by one of the men on the river-bank. Such a figure, viewed in the rear, makes rather a funny sight, like a tortoise walking upright with his shell. As the coracle is not easily navigated up-stream, it frequently has to be brought ashore'. From "Illustrated London News", 1881.