Hello there!!!
I am connected to the Thomas Beard through his grandson, George Stephan - whom sailed on the boat with him between Coalbrookdale and Bristol. They were on ships called 'Trows' - the last remaining being on display at the Blists Hill Victorian Musem.
unfortunately, I have had a phonecall from the Archives today and the Alderman Books (which contain the Diary of Thomas) that I was planning to view tomorrow are no longer for public viewing. They're in a bad state of repair and any further public viewing may make them unrepairable - so I have been advised by Liz Young that I cant view it. REALLY disappointed but said she would keep in touch if matters changed! Unfortunately, no-one ever got photos of the diary, so it's just not plausable to get any sort of viewing at this time...
You can also view the book by Barry Trinder, Barges and Bargeman - (from the library) - which I am yet to do but Thomas is mentioned in there a fair bit apparently.
I have managed to get a fair bit of exciting stuff for Thomas if you want to email me, I can send it all over.
I'm in the midst of packing to move house but have a few bit of stuffed saved to my computer.
Thomas was the 'Last of the Severn Trowmen' to survive. My ancestor, George, sailed on a ship called 'The William' with him, as he pretty much brought him up (because his father - another George! - moved to Worcester to live with his new wife).
I even have a picture of what I believe to be them aboard 'The William'. I also have census records for them 1881-1901. After being Master of the Barge, Thomas and George went on to run the General Gordon Public House. This was located in the Werps - opposite Coalbrookdale. I managed to get a map and old picture of this from Broseley Local History - because the place no longer exists. (my Dad got his middle name of Gordon because of the pub). The Gordon pub stayed in the Stephan family for some years before it (apparently) subsided into the River Severn!
I have recently had an email from a Mike Beard (literally yesterday!) who is also researching the Worcester line of Beards! I'm sure he wouldnt mind me passing on his email!