She was built in the late 19th century and carried countless passengers on the Norfolk Broads for decades.

The Queen of the Broads was built at Cobholm Island, Great Yarmouth by Critten’s boatyard and launched in 1889.

Rebuilt in 1896, she was 74ft in length with a 13ft beam. A 70hp compound steam engine propelled her through the water.

Up to 180 passengers could enjoy the idyllic Norfolk scenery aboard her during daily trips from Yarmouth to Wroxham.

When approaching low bridges, captains of the boat could lower her funnel to pass through safely.

She used her original boilers until she retired in 1976 as one of the last coal-fired pleasure steamers in Britain.

Her owners at the time, Pleasure Steamers Ltd of Yarmouth, had hoped a preservation society would take her under their wing after she became uneconomical to run.

Alas nobody came forward and the Queen of the Broads was broken up at George Overy's boatyard at Lowestoft.

A new Queen of the Broads was commissioned and launched from Norwich in 1977.

We hope you have enjoyed these photos from our archive of the old Queen of the Broads.

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