About JB Timber Ltd.

In 1873 Charles William Barchard set himself up in business as a joiner, wheelwright, undertaker and timber merchant. This was the beginning of a family involvement in timber which currently spans four generations.

The current Chairman and Managing Director of J.B. Timber Limited is John Barchard who succeeded his father Stanley and grandfather Robert, both well known characters in the Home Grown Timber Trade.

Over a period of more than 130 years, the pattern of business has changed considerably and high volume sales in Elm trawl bobbins and coffin boards have long since past. However, the traditional strengths in boatbuilding, constructional and marine timbers are still the mainstay of the business today.

The operation is currently based at a 2 acre site at North Cave, East Yorkshire, within minutes the motorway network and affording fine communication by road. With two large band mills, J.B. Timber Ltd is a large hardwood sawmill, situated within easy access to the UK motorway network.

The key to J.B. Timber's success over the years has been the emphasis on providing a quality service. Our experienced and knowledgeable staff are able to assist customers with advice on the best solution to their needs.

The Company has earned a reputation for being 'a point of reference' for the unusual. awkward and even the seemingly impossible. Where all else fails, J.B. Timber may well provide the answer!

Some projects we have been involved with

The Jeanie Johnston (construction)

During the great Irish famine in the middle of the 19th century, the original Jeannie Johnston carried over 2,500 Irish people across the Atlantic - and was the only ship ever to do so without loosing a soul.

Using the information recorded in the original Lloyds survey the replica barque was built and finally the dream was realised in 2003 when the replica Jeanie Johnston sailed from Fenit Co. Kerry to the USA and Canada and back again.

The keel and frames of the ship are constructed of Oak, the decks in Douglas fir and the planking in larch

The Ships Features:
Length Extreme: 45m (148ft); Length Overall: 37.5m (123ft); Beam: 8m (26ft); Draft: 4.2m (14ft); Displacement: 510 tonnes and Rig: 3-masted barque, with 4-square sails/mast, and single topsails

Matthew of Bristol (construction)

This impressive wooden ship, built in 1998 is a replica of the vessel in which John Cabot discovered Newfoundland in 1497 in the original Matthew, becoming the first European known to have set foot on the American mainland.

Today's Matthew is a faithful reconstruction built to cross the Atlantic on the 500th anniversary. Today she is moored alongside the ss Great Britain in Bristol.

HMS Gannet (restoration)

Built on the River Medway at Sheerness in 1878, HMS GANNET represents the heyday of the Victorian Navy and its worldwide role to police the waters of the British Empire. Between 1878 and 1895 she saw service in the Pacific, the Mediterranean and the Red Sea. In 1886 she saw action in defending the port of Suakin against rebel forces during the Sudanese revolt.

In 1895 GANNET was decommissioned and in 1902 converted into a drill ship for the Royal Naval Reserve. She served as HMS PRESIDENT, the headquarters of the London Divisions RNR, until 1911. In 1913 she was lent to the boys’ sea training school, TS MERCURY, on the River Hamble, for use as a dormitory ship. The school closed in 1968, and the GANNET was acquired by the Maritime Trust who initially chartered and transferred her to Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust for a 14 month restoration. Funds for the restoration work were provided by the Heritage Lottery Fund and Medway Council.

Length: 190ft oa (57.91m) 70ft (pp)
Beam: 36ft (58.81m)
Draught: 16ft maximum
Displacement: 1130 tons

"Alert" (construction)

Currently under construction is the Alert, a 37' 6" clinker built two masted dipping lugger. Being built of larch on oak with copper and bronze fastenings, she will launch Spring 2007.

Alert is for sale at three different stages of completion between £87,400 and £127,300. A commission is currently being sought for a 36' to 40' clinker/carvel cutter/lugger to be laid down following the launch of the Alert.