History of the Driffield Navigation
The Driffield Navigation was authorised in 1767 via an Act of Parliament. It was necessary due to increasing trade to and from the large industrial centres in the Midlands and West Riding, where competition was fierce and faster transportation was the key to bigger business.
Construction of the canal here meant that most important market town status changed from nearby Kilham to Driffield. By 1817 a regular passenger-carrying steam packet operated between Driffield and Hull.
The first half of the 19th century saw increased prosperity for the market town; however the competition from the new railway in 1846 was the catalyst to its quick demise.
Local volunteer organisations lobbied for restoration efforts to be focused on the canal, and the first step was to replace the new lock gates at Snakeholme Lock, which began on 5th November, 2001.
