history-and-heritage features

Backwaters and bygones

We are all familiar with Britain's network of rivers and canals. However, in our haste to explore old favourites such as the Llangollen or the Grand Union, we often forget all about the sights and sounds of lesser-known waterways.

Going horseboating

For hundreds of years, horses were the backbone of British industry.

They pulled carts and charabancs, ploughed fields and transported everything from coal to soap flakes over the length and breadth of the country.

Waterway heritage

Think British Waterways, think canals, boats and moorings. But, perhaps surprisingly, British Waterways has recently been confirmed by English Heritage as the third largest owner of Listed Structures in the country.

The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct

The towering Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, one of the most enduring wonders of the waterways, has inspired and amazed boaters, walkers and visitors for 200 years.

Restoring the inland waterways

Britain is criss-crossed by a myriad of scenic rivers and canals, some deservedly popular with holiday boaters, others well-kept waterway secrets.

The history of Hatton Locks

Hatton’s flight of 21 locks provides an excellent example of how our canal heritage has been adapted to meet the needs of a changing society.

How do locks work?

Part one of our first time boater series explains what locks are and how you should operate them.

The first canals

Although canals played a large part in the history of the UK, we were not the first country to build them.

The rise of the railway and fall of the canals

The latter half of the eighteenth century was the great age of the canals, when transporting goods by waterway took off and investors made great profits from canals running through areas of heavy industry.

Living and working on the canals

Working on the canals was a hard way of life. Boat people worked long days in all weathers – with often just a husband, wife and any children they had managing the myriad tasks involved.

Roses and Castles: a history

Roses and Castles is the colourful folk art that was used to decorate working narrowboats in the 19th century.