The Bargemaster

The Bargemaster

Johnny Dwan is a Thames Lighterman and Captain of the Company’s cutter, the Water Forget-me-not.

The Watermen’s Cutters  compete annually in the Port of London Challenge, the Port Admirals’ Challenge and the Great River Race.   In the gentlemanly competition within the Livery Company boating community, he has an unrivalled record of winning.


The cutter is 34 ft long with a beam of 4ft 6ins and can be rigged for up to eight oars either rowing or sculling.   The boats are robust, stable and fast, equally at home on the tidal or non-tidal river or sheltered coastal waters.

In keeping with traditional origins they can carry a cox and passengers under a canopy.    Nowadays with canopies and armorial flags flying they perform the role of ceremonial Livery Barges on special occasions.