Celebrating the legacy of Tom Rolt

2010 marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of Tom Rolt – one of the saviours of the inland waterways network, and co-founder of the Inland Waterways Association (IWA).

One of the most influential members on the boating scene, Tom’s love of canals continued in 1939 when he took a honeymoon cruise along the Midlands’ waterways, onboard narrowboat Cressy. During his journey Tom saw that not only was the network in a state of disrepair, but that the working boatman way of life was also in decline, and this would later prompt him to fight for its preservation through the creation of the IWA.

Despite the neglected state of the canals, Tom went on to write the hugely influential book, ‘Narrow Boat’ where he highlighted the pleasures of life afloat, and inspired a generation to get onboard and fight for the future of our canals and rivers.

A great lover of industrial heritage, Tom’s legacy also extends to the saviour of our railway network as he went on to co-found the Talyllyn Railway Preservation Society - the world's first preserved railway. This was chronicled in his 1953 book ‘Railway Adventure’.

During his lifetime (1910 – 1974) Tom published more than forty books, including biographies of his heroes Isambard Kingdom Brunel and Thomas Telford, and books about his other great love – motoring.

To celebrate a century of Tom’s legacy, a whole host of events will be taking place along the canals and elsewhere. If you have a Tom Rolt event that you’d like to see listed here, please email all details to feedback@waterscape.com.

Learn more about the life of Tom Rolt at www.ltcrolt.org.uk

Last updated: 11/02/2010

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Tom Rolt centenary events »
We are delighted to publicise the wealth of events across the country which celebrate the centenary of Tom Rolt’s birth. More »