Barge GANNET of London near the Southend-on-sea Gas Works Jetty. It was probably taken about 1904/5 as just visible at the edge of the image is the Metropole, later the Palace Hotel, covered in scaffolding suggesting it is under construction.
John White of SSBR believes this is GANNET Official No. 95493, built Limehouse 1888.
Information from www.mmhistory.org.uk/cce/Elaine/Vandervord1 :
1903 Edith Peters, Southend
1919-1923 S. J. Peters, Southend
1926 Smeed Dean, Murston (Rebuilt)
1933 Wakeley Bros. Rainham, Kent £125.00
Lost. Foundered 9 Mar 1939 near West Buxey. Maidstone to River Crouch with rag and bonestone.
3" square glass positive photograph.
Date: c1905