Turks Launches are a familiar sight on the River Thames especially in the Kingston on Thames region. Hardly surprising really, as they have been building boats on the River Thames for about 900 years, believe it or not. Records for the year 1195 in the reign of Richard the Lionheart show that a boatbuilder called Turk was building "two galleys for the Defence of the Realm"  on land near the Tower of London.  A later member of the Turk family engaged in the craft of shipwright was the Lord Mayor of London in 1230 - a good hundred years before Dick Whittington became the Lord Mayor.

Turks Launches over the years have built many famous vessels, including boats for the amusement of Queen Victoria on the waters in Windsor Home Park, and for other English and foreign royalty.



The present business in Kingston was established by a Richard Turk in 1710 in the reign of Queen Anne, in the period of our history when road transport was both difficult and often dangerous, and it was quicker and easier to navigate the river.  The great-great-great grandson of the first Richard Turk- Richard Daniel Turk - now runs the company, and he is following in the family tradition of maintaining a fleet of vessels that serve people up and down the river.

Richard Daniel took over from his father Michael, who was a Swanmaster and Bargemaster in the Vintner's Company, and a Queen's Waterman.  Michael is also a Past Master of The Worshipful Company of Watermen and Lightermen of the river Thames.

Today Turks  Launches operate a scheduled river service between Kingston, Richmond, Twickenham and Hampton Court in the summer months on licensed boats, which is very popular with visitors. Their base is right by Kingston bridge.

In addition, Turks Launches can offer specialist services for private charters on their beautiful launches, which can be equipped to cover all needs.  Do you fancy a wedding reception on board a stern wheeler, like the ones which used to ply the Mississippi? Turks Launches have just such a launch, the Southern Belle. Other launchs cater for smaller parties and include full catering facilities, food and wine and discos on special excursions.

If you are arranging a staff or club social, a Christmas disco, or a family get-together for that special anniversary, then Turks Launches can help you achieve a fabulous event on their lovely vessels in the splendid setting of the River Thames. 

You can agree all the detail with the experienced team at Turks Launches, then leave the hard work to them while you and your guests enjoy yourselves!

Article researched and written by Jeannette Briggs - May 2009

If you contact Turks at the following contact information they will be ready to help you:

Tel: 020 8546 2434     E-mail: operations@turks.co.uk
Web address: www.turks.co.uk