TRADITIONAL BOAT BUILDER
Please Ring: 020 8948 8270
The Heritage of Master Craftsmanship
Master Boatbuilder Mark Edwards MBE leads a team of traditional craftsmen excelling in the time-honoured art of Thames boatbuilding at Richmond Bridge Boathouse.
At Richmond Bridge Boathouses, master craftsmanship isn't just a skill; it's a living heritage. Our team upholds centuries-old Thames boatbuilding traditions, meticulously crafting each vessel with unparalleled attention to detail.
We blend generational knowledge with a passion for preserving the artistry of wooden boats, ensuring every creation is a testament to enduring quality and timeless beauty.
Experience the legacy of true artisanal boatbuilding.
Mark Edwards, MBE: Master Boatbuilder
Born of Cornish boatbuilding heritage and raised amongst the sea and River Thames, Mark Edwards embodies over 40 years of traditional boatbuilding excellence.
His unrivalled expertise spans restoration, bespoke construction, and heritage preservation, regularly featured in nautical and specialist media.
In 2015, Mark was awarded his MBE by Her Majesty The Queen for services to boatbuilding, a testament to his dedication to preserving this centuries-old craft.
He shares his extensive knowledge through talks and lectures, inspiring the next generation of master craftsmen.
Contact Mark at Richmond Boat Houses to discuss bespoke commissions, restoration projects, or speaking engagements.
Tel: 020 8948 8270
bridgeboathouses@ntlworld.com
Our Team of Traditional Craftsmen
Master Boatbuilder
Mark Edwards MBE leads our workshop with four decades of experience, bringing Cornish boatbuilding heritage to the Thames. His expertise encompasses traditional techniques passed down through generations.
Skilled Craftsmen
Our team of experienced boatbuilders maintain the highest standards of traditional craftsmanship, working with hand tools and time-honoured methods to create vessels of exceptional quality.
Apprentices
We're proud to employ young workers of all backgrounds, training them in traditional techniques, safe tool use, and river working. All employees receive Living Wage, investing in the future of British craftsmanship.
Bespoke Boatbuilding Services
Operating as specialist boatbuilders on the tidal Thames, Richmond Bridge Boathouses have earned their reputation for excellence in traditional wooden craft construction. Our portfolio spans from PICCOLO, a twelve-foot canoe, to the LADY MAYORESS, a magnificent 42-foot shallop for the Company of Watermen and Lightermen.
1
Thames Skiffs
Camping and racing skiffs built to traditional specifications, renowned for their elegant lines and superb handling on the Thames.
2
Pleasure & Racing Punts
Expertly crafted punts for leisurely river excursions or competitive racing, embodying Thames boating tradition.
3
Specialist Vessels
Electric canoes, small launches, sailboats, whiffs, shallops, and Thames wherries—each built to exacting standards.
4
Racing Cutters
In cooperation with The Great River Race, we've designed 4 and 6-oared recreational racing cutters, available in traditional wood and GRP—21 built to date.
The classic Thames Skiff, perfect for leisurely outings or competitive racing.
Traditional wooden rowing boats in action during the Great River Race, a testament to speed and tradition.
We are always happy to discuss your specific requirements. Whether you're commissioning a bespoke vessel for personal use, film work, or ceremonial purposes, our team brings unmatched expertise to every project.
Heritage Restoration & Repairs
Approved Repairs & Maintenance
Ranging from regular maintenance to complete restoration of historic craft, we offer a wealth of experience when advising you on how to preserve your traditional boat. All repairs are executed with sympathetic use of authentic materials, and a full range of traditional fittings are fabricated in-house.
Our restoration portfolio includes Thames skiffs, gigs, whiffs, dinghies, and launches for private customers, lighterman's skiffs for the Museum of the Port of London and Docklands, and the Royal Oak—an 18th-century racing cutter currently displayed at the Henley River and Rowing Museum.
We are always happy to give expert advice to customers.
Specialist Services
  • Complete hull restoration and re-planking
  • Sympathetic repairs using traditional materials
  • In-house fabrication of period-correct fittings
  • Historic vessel conservation and preservation
  • Expert assessment and maintenance planning
Traditional Techniques & Time-Honoured Methods
As you might expect from a centuries-old enterprise, we take our craft seriously. At Richmond Bridge Boathouses, we pride ourselves on meticulous attention to detail, using traditional techniques and fabricating many components by hand here in the workshop.
Each vessel we create represents a continuation of Thames boatbuilding heritage—methods refined over generations, skills passed from master to apprentice, and an unwavering commitment to quality that modern production cannot replicate.
Feel free to look in as you take a stroll past our workshops at Richmond on a sunny day!
Watch our craftsmen at work, shaping timber with hand tools, steaming planks, and assembling vessels using techniques unchanged for centuries.
01
Hand Selection of Timber
Choosing the finest woods for strength and beauty
02
Traditional Steam Bending
Shaping planks using centuries-old techniques
03
Hand-Crafted Joinery
Precision fitting using traditional tools
04
Finishing & Detailing
Applying varnishes and fittings made in-house
Prestigious Projects Gallery
We deliver custom projects of all sizes—as main contractor or as part of larger teams—from the smallest skiff to magnificent royal barges. Our portfolio demonstrates the breadth of our capabilities and our commitment to excellence.
The Royal Shallop Jubilant
A replica of the 18th-century barge on display at Somerset House, built for the Thames Traditional Rowing Association. Jubilant trains disabled rowers to join able-bodied crews in ceremonies and regattas, celebrating inclusivity and tradition.
The One And All
A stunning example of traditional Cornish pilot gig construction, showcasing Mark's heritage and expertise in building racing vessels that honour centuries of maritime tradition whilst delivering exceptional performance.
Tallow Submarine
A replica of a 17th-century submarine built for the BBC TV series Building The Impossible. This extraordinary project demonstrated our ability to construct historically accurate vessels for film and television—and it worked!
The Royal Barge Gloriana
Our most celebrated commission: The Royal Barge Gloriana, presented to Her Majesty The Queen on the occasion of her Diamond Jubilee.
This magnificent vessel represents the pinnacle of traditional Thames boatbuilding—a 94-foot royal rowbarge built using centuries-old techniques combined with modern engineering. Gloriana led the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant in 2012, with eighteen oarsmen propelling Her Majesty along the river in a spectacle watched by millions worldwide.

Project Highlights
  • 94 feet in length
  • 18 oarsmen
  • Traditional oak construction
  • Gold leaf decoration
  • Led 2012 Diamond Jubilee Pageant
The construction of Gloriana earned Mark Edwards his MBE, recognising not only the technical achievement but the preservation and celebration of British maritime heritage. This extraordinary vessel continues to serve as the flagship for ceremonial occasions on the Thames.
The PET Project: Innovating with Plastic Waste
Master Boatbuilder Mark Edwards MBE led the 'PET Project,' an innovative initiative to construct boats from 99% plastic waste. This project, based in Richmond, aimed to raise crucial awareness about the escalating plastic pollution crisis in Britain's waterways.
The 'PET Project' was conceived by the environmental charity Hubbub and received equal funding from Tideway and the Starbucks 5p paper cup charge. The boat itself is crafted from 'Plaswood,' a recycled single-use plastic material that serves as a sustainable substitute for traditional wood.
As a testament to the project's commitment, Tideway volunteers actively collected one tonne of plastic waste from the River Thames, which was then transported to the Plaswood factory in Dumfries, Scotland, for processing. The finished 'PET Project' boat will be utilized to highlight the impact of plastic pollution in our waterways and oceans, serving as an educational tool for local schoolchildren and businesses.
This endeavor further showcases the expertise of Mark Edwards MBE, whose previous notable works include building 'The Queen’s Gloriana' barge and Hubbub’s inaugural plastic waste boat, 'Poly-Mer'.
Specialist Services
Sail & Colour Loft
Our skilled seamstresses create bespoke sails, flags, boat covers, and cushions to your specific requirements, specialising in traditional materials and custom work. We visit your boat on-site to measure for camping covers, storage covers, or cushions.
Bridges & Riparian Structures
Our expertise extends beyond boats to bridges and river-related structures. Notable works include the Chinese Bridge at Painshill Park, a canal lift bridge on the Regents Canal at Yeading, and bespoke bridges for private gardens.
Workshop Hire
We provide safe, secure workshop space on short- or long-term basis, with convenient access to the River Thames, South Circular, and excellent transport links at Richmond Station. Contact us to discuss availability.
Boat Hire, Film Services & Moorings
Hourly Hire & Rentals
The idyllic peace of the River Thames is closer than you think! Rowing skiffs for hourly hire carrying 1, 2, 4, 6, or 8 persons are available throughout the season (March–October) on a first-come, first-served basis. Boats may be reserved on request, including larger vessels holding up to 12 persons.
Our unique fleet is also available for daily or weekly rental throughout the year. For more details on availability, visit our sister site: richmondboathire.co.uk
Film, Television & Events
Richmond Bridge Boathouses offer a wide range of unpowered craft for film and photographic work, with experienced boatmen available.
Our credits include Our American Friends, Thomas Moore, Orlando, and Great Expectations.
We also provide wedding and event hire—one or more boats supplied with boatmen, dressed appropriately for your occasion. Please call for a quote.
Moorings & Marine Services
Dry storage available for unpowered craft at Richmond and Hampton, with easy Thames access. Moorings afloat for unpowered and small powered craft at both sites. Contact us to discuss availability.
Visit Us at Richmond Bridge Boathouses
The idyllic peace of the River Thames is closer than you think...
Why not stop by to see us at work, on a sunny day or bright winter morning, then round your trip off with a visit to one of the many nearby pubs and restaurants in historic Richmond!
Transport Links
  • Car: A316 via M3 or South Circular (A205), then A307 to Richmond centre. Parking on Richmond Green or NCP Richmond Station
  • Rail/Underground: Richmond Station (RMD), a 5-minute walk away
  • Bus: TfL Routes 33, 65, 490, 969, H22, H37, N22, R68, R70, 337, 371, 190
  • Walking/Cycling: Thames Path and London Cycle Network routes pass our door
Contact Richmond Bridge Boathouses

Get In Touch
Whether you're commissioning a bespoke vessel, seeking restoration services, or enquiring about boat hire, we'd be delighted to discuss your requirements.
Mark Edwards
Telephone:
020 8948 8270
Email: bridgeboathouses@ntlworld.com
Address
Richmond Bridge Boathouses Ltd.
Bridge Boathouses
Richmond upon Thames
Surrey TW9 1TH
We look forward to hearing from you and helping bring your vision to life with traditional craftsmanship and unrivalled expertise.
© 2025 Richmond Bridge Boathouses Ltd. | Mark Edwards All rights reserved.