Lady Florence's story begins amidst the chaos of World War II, where she was born not as a pleasure cruiser, but as an Admiralty supply vessel, built to serve the needs of the British Nav
y. Constructed in 1944 by J. Bolson and Sons of Poole in Dorset, Lady Florence was one of over a thousand Motor Fishing Vessels (MFVs) commissioned during the war. Her purpose was clear to transport essential supplies to battleships stationed off the South Coast, a vital role in the defence of the nation.
However, the war ended just as Lady Florence was completing her sea trials, sparing her from the horrors of battle. Instead of being sold off to fishermen, as many of her counterparts were, she found herself in the hands of private owners who recognised her potential beyond wartime duties. She served the British Navy until 1971, when she was sold into private hands from Sea Cadet Training, transitioning from MFV 766 to a Registered British Ship named Margaret Jane.
Renamed Lady Florence in 1983, she embarked on a new chapter of her life as a restaurant river cruiser, offering scenic tours along the tranquil waters of the Alde and Ore under the stewardship of Geoffrey Ingram Smith. Her transformation from a utilitarian vessel to a charming cruiser began, marking the birth of the river cruise restaurant business in Orford in 1984. Geoffrey and his wife, Sue Money, lived aboard Lady Florence for the first few years, offering a popular four-hour lunch cruise featuring local specialties like honey-baked ham from Patrick the Orford butchery to smoked trout from Pinney’s of Orford, and Sue's famous chocolate brandy mousse.
Over the years, Lady Florence became more than just a boat she became a cherished part of the community, weaving herself into the fabric of local life. My parents John and Sue Haresnape took over the business in 1992, ushering in a new era of expansion and innovation. With their vision and dedication, the Lady Florence experience evolved to include breakfast, lunch, supper, and even dinner cruises, catering to the diverse preferences of passengers. By 1998, they were running three cruises a day, and my brother, Rhys, and his family joined the business, followed by me, who took the business international with the Allen Gardiner in Durban, South Africa, before returning in 2013 to manage Lady Florence, allowing my parents to semi-retire.
As the years rolled by, Lady Florence remained a constant presence on the river, witnessing the ebb and flow of time. In 2014, the family made the decision to consolidate their business in Suffolk, bringing the Allen Gardiner, another beloved World War II vessel, from South Africa to Ipswich. This move symbolised our deep-rooted commitment to preserving maritime heritage in the region.
Today, as Lady Florence turns 80, she stands as a living testament to the resilience of wooden ships and the enduring allure of river cruising. Her elegant silhouette and storied past continue to captivate passengers from near and far, offering them a glimpse into a bygone era while creating new memories to cherish. My partner Kris and I continue the legacy with reverence for the past and a commitment to the future. Lady Florence's journey is far from over she continues to write new chapters in her remarkable story, reminding us of the enduring power of history, heritage, and the spirit of adventure on the open waters.
