Shakespeare Classic Line was conceived in late 1997 and commissioned the first Narrowboat “Cymbeline” This luxury Narrowboat was based at a marina close to Stratford upon Avon and affiliated to RCI. So the brand new resort of Classic Narrowboats was born towards the end of 1997. The following year two more Narrowboats were commissioned. It was decided all of the boats would be named after Shakespearian characters or plays so “Portia” and “Prince Hal” made up the extended ‘fleet’ of three Narrowboats. We have come a long way since those early days eight years ago. We have moved to a purpose built marina at Barton under Needwood with on- site chandlery and exciting plans to develop the site with offices, a Hotel and Leisure facilities. As the marina is in such a central position for tourist attractions some of our owners and RCI exchange guests asked to spend their week in the marina, so the natural progression was Classic Houseboats. We now have twenty Narrowboats and three Houseboats with several other Houseboats in the pipeline. The Houseboats will have names taken from Royal Households, Palaces and Stately Homes, the first three being “Buckingham”, “Chatsworth” and “Blenheim”. The future has never looked brighter for Classic Narrowboats and Classic Houseboats at Barton Turns Marina, in partnership with our ever increasing individual membership.