Ferry across River Severn

Not many people get to use the ferry in Shropshire these days, but 100 years or so ago there was often no other way of getting across the River Severn.

This is Uffington ferry, near Shrewsbury, which, as you can see, was a simple punt and it looks as if it was guided by a wire going from one bank to the other.

But why are the passengers standing up? Were there no seats - or were they just standing for the benefit of the photographer?

Picture: Ray Farlow.