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Narrowboats on canals become icons of England

10th Nov 2006

Narrowboats on canals have joined Westminster Abbey, the Stiff Upper Lip and the Rolls-Royce on the ICONS list of 21 new Icons of England revealed today (November 10).

Narrowboats on canals have joined Westminster Abbey, the Stiff Upper Lip and the Rolls-Royce on the ICONS list of 21 new Icons of England revealed today (November 10).

The ICONS project encourages people to explore, enjoy and celebrate the country’s cultural treasures online and also in the real world. Children's favourite Winnie-the-Pooh, the beautiful Peak District and the River Thames have also been named as new Icons of England, voted for by the public and selected by a panel of experts. Their iconic status is confirmed today as ICONS – A Portrait of England - announces its fourth wave of national icons.

The project, which launched in January, now includes 74 official Icons of England which have been given the star treatment online with themed in-depth features, quizzes, video clips and interviews on the site. Funded initially by Culture Online, part of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, ICONS has attracted more than 700 nominations, with people voting and commenting on their favourite icons. More than 800,000 people have visited the site.

The 21 new icons revealed today include:
Narrowboats on canals
Winnie-the-Pooh
Cheddar
Red telephone boxes
The Robin
Guy Fawkes Night
The Thames
Wimbledon
The V Sign
Iron Bridge
Mrs Beeton’s Book of Household Management

Robin Evans, chief executive of British Waterways, comments: "Brightly painted narrowboats are synonymous with Britain’s 200 year old canals and I am delighted that they have been acknowledged as an Icon. Chugging from place to place and passing through canal locks, narrowboats are a fascination for the millions of visitors to the towpath each year.

Narrowboats are a fascination for millions

"In bygone days horse drawn boats would have been laden with goods and raw materials for industry. Today’s narrowboats are fitted with all the latest mod cons ideal for tranquil weekend breaks and lazy summer holidays."

Jerry Doyle, Managing Director of ICONS added: "ICONS has the power to reach parts of the nation, nothing else reaches – all the icons chosen for a place of honour in the ICONS collection are developing into a vibrant portrait of England. It is a joy to celebrate life in England, in all its complexity and beauty – and, of course, its rich sense of humour! It wouldn’t be England, without it all."

Last updated: 22/10/2008