Shipping in the Thames or Medway. A three masted barque, a two masted topsail schooner and a number of spritsail and stumpy barges are at anchor. In the centre of the picture a laden river barge is under sail and is being rowed with a single oar over the starboard bow because of the lack of wind. A stackie barge with her bowsprit topped is also under sail. The photographer is probably on board an excursion paddle steamer.