In a message dated 04/11/2007 16:27:46 GMT Standard Time, [email protected] writes: Can any one tell me how the keel would have been transported up & down the river in those days. Was it drawn by a horse or was it propelled by a paddle or oars. I cannot be certain about the Wear, but on the Tyne the Keels always had a (single, square-rigged) sail. They would take their load down-river (a west to east journey on both rivers) under sail, as that was also the direction of the prevailing wind and would then usually row back with the Keel empty (Hence the song "Weel may the Keel ROW") Their journeys were timed to take advantage of the tide in both directions. I would expect much the same arrangements on the Wear. Keels being pulled by a horse as if they were a canal barge would not be possible when both banks of the river were largely taken up with a variety of industries and as for rowing it when full - I know the keelmen were strong and tough but not to that extent! Geoff Nicholson