From the time of Henry VIII onwards, spectacular state barge processions became popular on the River Thames. The processions comprised of royal barges, the Lord Mayor's barge and barges of the livery companies.
These magnificent barges projected the power and success of their owners to the public.
The barges travelled on the river Thames from The City of London to the Royal Palaces of Windsor, Westminster, Hampton Court, Greenwich and the Tower of London.
Many of the barges were owned by Livery companies which had evolved from London's medieval trade guilds. These wealthy, ancient companies, such as The Goldsmiths became, (and some remain!), very wealthy and politically powerful in The City of London.
These high quality vintage lithographs were made in small quantities in Great Britain about 70 years ago.
