Canalside Camera http://canalsidecamera.fpic.co.uk/ 34 rows en-gb 60 18 (c). Disused Waterways - Bude Canal http://canalsidecamera.fpic.co.uk/c1738753.html Opened in 1825 and closed in 1902, the Bude Canal was built to carry sand from Bude to the inland regions of North Cornwall and Devon. The first two miles were constructed as a barge canal with conventional locks. The majority of the canal was constructed to take tub boats and made use of no less than six inclined planes on a network of three branches. Tuesday 11 August 2009: Opened in 1825 and closed in 1902, the Bude Canal was built to carry sand from Bude to the inland regions of North Cornwall and Devon. The first two miles were constructed as a barge canal with conventional locks. The majority of the canal was constructed to take tub boats and made use of no less than six inclined planes on a network of three branches.

The canal at Helebridge Wharf. 19th July 2009. OS: SS215037 Beyond the A39 bridge there is a short infilled section. 19th July 2009. OS: SS215037 A road level view of the bridge at Helebridge. 19th July 2009. OS: SS215037 Rowing boats in Bude Harbour. 19th July 2009. OS: SS205062 The entrance to the Sea Lock from the Harbour. 19th July 2009. OS: SS203064 Paddle gear at the Sea Lock. 19th July 2009. OS: SS203064 The Sea Lock, Bude. 19th July 2009. OS: SS203064 The Sea Lock looking towards the upper gates. 19th July 2009. OS: SS203064 Bude Harbour seen from the Sea Lock. 19th July 2009. OS: SS203064 The entrance to the Sea Lock at Summerleaze Beach. 19th July 2009. OS: SS203064 Wharf buildings at Bude Harbour. 19th July 2009. OS: SS205062 The view towards the Sea Lock from the Harbour. 19th July 2009. OS: SS205063 The lane to Marhamchurch Foundry runs alongside the Inclined Plane which was located on the left. 20th July 2009. OS: SS220037 Marhamchurch Inclined Plane (right) with a water pumping station built across it and the lane to Marhamchurch Foundry (left). 20th Jult 2009. 23rd July 2009. OS: SS218037 The end of the barge canal seen from Marhamchurch Inclined Plane. 20th July 2009. OS: SS218037 Near the bottom of Marhamchurch Inclined Plane, looking towards Bude. 23rd July 2009. OS: SS217037 The view up Marhamchurch Inclined Plane from the bottom. 23rd July 2009. OS: SS218037 The canal at Helebridge, much as it always was - but boatless. 23rd July 2009. OS: SS217037 Milepost 2 at Helebridge. 23rd July 2009. OS: SS217037 The old roadbridge at Helebridge. 23rd July 2009. OS: SS215037 The A39 bridge at Helebridge which has replaced the railway bridge that formerly crossed the canal at this point. 23rd July 2009. OS: SS215036 The canal at Helebridge looking towards Bude. 23rd July 2009. OS: SS214037 A newly constructed landing stage at Helebridge. 23rd July 2009. OS: SS214037 The Canal route (left) and feeder (right) at Helebridge. 23rd July 2009. OS: SS214037 The weir at Helebridge which allows the River Strat to flow out of the Canal. 23rd July 2009. OS: SS213038 A footbridge over the Canal at Helebridge. 23rd July 2009. OS: SS213038 Whalesborough Lock. 23rd July 2009. OS: SS213041 Looking towards Bude from Whalesborough Lock. 23rd July 2009. OS: SS213041 The Canal above Whalesborough Lock. 23rd July 2009. OS: SS213040 Rodd's Bridge Lock, fully restored but rarely used. 23rd July 2009. OS: SS211046 Paddle gear at Rodd's Bridge Lock. 23rd July 2009. OS: SS211046 The Canal below Whalesborough Lock. 23rd July 2009. OS: SS213042 Rodd's Bridge. 23rd July 2009. OS: SS211046 The view towards Bude from Rodd's Bridge. 23rd July 2009. OS: SS211046 Looking towards Rodd's Bridge Lock from Rodd's Bridge. 23rd July 2009. OS: SS211047 The canal below Rodd's Bridge. 23rd July 2009. OS: SS209050 A bend on the canal outside Bude. 23rd July 2009. OS: SS208052 The canal outside Bude in use for leisure purposes. 23rd July 2009. OS: SS208053 Cottages by the canal on the approach to Bude. 3rd July 2009. OS: SS207057 The Upper Basin. 23rd July 2009. OS: SS207057 The former Bude Laundry. 3rd July 2009. OS: SS207057 The Falcon Bridge seen from the Upper Basin. 23rd July 2009. OS: SS207060 The Upper Basin seen from the Falcon Bridge. 23rd July 2009. OS: SS207061 Bude Harbour seen from the Falcon Bridge. 23rd July 2009. OS: SS207061 The Falcon Bridge was originally a swing bridge but is now a fixed structure preventing all but the smallest of boats from using the restored canal. 23rd July 2009. OS: SS207061 Bude Canal 1839 stone set into the parapet of the bridge at Helebridge. 23rd July 2009. OS: SS215037 One of the towpath markers erected in 2008. 23rd July 2009. OS: SS215037 The base of Marhamchurch Inclined Plane. 23rd July 2009. OS: SS218037 Looking towards the Inclined Plane from the Foundry Lane bridge at Marhamchurch. 25th July 2009. OS: SS221037 The line of the canal running past Marhamchurch School. 25th July 2009. OS: SS221037

Published in Canalside Camera

]]> Tue Aug 11 2009 01 (d). Narrowboats - Tugs http://canalsidecamera.fpic.co.uk/c1593104.html Narrow beam tugs, both purpose-built and conversions from working boats. Friday 10 October 2008: Narrow beam tugs, both purpose-built and conversions from working boats.

Push tug British Waterways tug Tug 82872 Former BW tug Brand new British Waterways narrow beam tugs on the Chesterfield Canal. 1st August 2006. Stern view of the same tugs. 1st August 2006. Mini tug GUCCC icebreaking tug Stern view of The Dudley Canal Trust's electric tug Caggy Stevens BCN tug British Waterways narrow beam tug British Waterways narrow beam tug

Published in Canalside Camera

]]> Fri Oct 10 2008 19. Odds and Ends http://canalsidecamera.fpic.co.uk/c1519679.html A few bits and pieces that don't fit into any other section. Friday 30 May 2008: A few bits and pieces that don't fit into any other section.

Marine historian Paul Barnett, guru of the Purton Hulks, on board the wreck of the A sunken FCB (Ferro Concrete Barge) on the River Weaver near Anderton. 16th September 2002. Part of the National Waterways Museum's reserve collection stored in the former salt warehouse at Hempsted on the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal. 12th November 2003. Somewhat weathered, a nice example of an old British Waterways logo. Tooley's Boatyard in Banbury sometime in the early 1980s. Tooley's Boatyard as it is today. 23rd April 2005. Brindley sculpture on the Farmers Bridge flight. 14th July 2006. Blue Tops as used on British Waterways River Class butties. The result of a fire on a GRP craft. Aylesbury, 30th March 2008. Farmers Bridge Junction - the well known island. 14th July 2006. Two Mile Bend on the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal, before work began to realign the canal for a new road bridge. (Image courtesy of Google Earth). Two Mile Bend with diversion work underway. (Image courtesy of Google Earth). The Queens Head pub, Worcester & Birmingham Canal in the late 1970s. The kid on the foredeck is me - no idea why I appear to be holding a handbag! A boatbuilder's steam chest and boiler preserved at the Black Country Museum. 3rd October 2008. A severed butty or day boat stern at the Black Country Museum. 3rd October 2008. Nameplates from British Waterways maitenance vessels on display at the Dudley Canal Trust's Tipton site. 3rd October 2008. Nameplates from British Waterways maitenance vessels on display at the Dudley Canal Trust's Tipton site. 3rd October 2008. Narrowboat hull sections in Caggy Stevens' yard, Tipton. 11th October 2009. A Measham teapot preserved at the London Canal Museum. 24th February 2009.

Published in Canalside Camera

]]> Fri May 30 2008 02 (b). Barges - Maintenance http://canalsidecamera.fpic.co.uk/c1422553.html Maintenance barges, mainly from the British Waterways fleet. Tuesday 11 December 2007: Maintenance barges, mainly from the British Waterways fleet.

BW mud hopper 11 at Saul Junction on 25th March 1990. BW mud hopper 17 in the mid 1990s at Purton, Gloucester & Sharpness Canal. A stern view of hopper No. 19, one of the fleet of unpowered barges used to move dredgings on the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal. BW mud hopper 21 laid up at Purton on 17th June 2007. Another view of mud hopper 21 at Purton. 17th June 2007. Maintenance barge The barge Crane barge Maintenance barge Mud hoppers moored near Purton, Gloucester & Sharpness Canal. Mud hoppers and tug Mud hoppers laid up at Purton on 6th April 2006. Manchester Ship Canal Co. crane barge no. 2. Maintenance barge Wide beam mud hoppers 80606 and 501276 at Bulbourne. 22nd June 2008. A wide beam mud hopper at Bulbourne. 22nd June 2008. BW mud hoppers at Sharpness. No 8 on the right is unusually of the swim head type. 20th July 2008.

Published in Canalside Camera

]]> Tue Dec 11 2007 04. Tugs http://canalsidecamera.fpic.co.uk/c1409052.html Wide beam tugboats from around the inland waterways system. Friday 16 November 2007: Wide beam tugboats from around the inland waterways system.

The BW Severn fleet tugs The historic tug Stern view of the The tugs A Hargreaves push tug near Ferrybridge. 24th July 2002. Another view of Another view of the tugs outside the National Waterways Museum. 25th March 2006. The steam tug The tug British Waterways tug British Waterways push tug Tug belonging to R.W. Davis & Son Ltd boatbuilders at Saul Junction, Gloucester & Sharpness Canal. 17th June 2007. BW tugs Former British Waterways tug The tug The tug

Published in Canalside Camera

]]> Fri Nov 16 2007 01 (c). Narrowboats - Trip & Hotel Boats http://canalsidecamera.fpic.co.uk/c1409050.html Various trip, packet and hotel narrowboats. Friday 16 November 2007: Various trip, packet and hotel narrowboats.

Hotel butty Three of the specially built trip boats that work through Dudley Tunnel. 7th October 1996. Charter/trip boat Trip boat Cotswold Canals Trust trip boat The Dudley Canal Trust's trip boat Dudley Tunnel electric trip boats Hereford & Gloucester Canal Trust boat The Trip boat The diminutive Waterbus in Birmingham. 27th May 2008. Trip boat Dudley Canal Trust trip boat Trip boats George and Richard at Tipton. 3rd October 2008.

Published in Canalside Camera

]]> Fri Nov 16 2007 18 (f). Disused Waterways - Old Stratford Arm http://canalsidecamera.fpic.co.uk/c1293368.html The Old Stratford Arm was a short branch of the Grand Junction Canal which ran from the junction at Cosgrove to Hayes Basin at Old Stratford, a distance of less than 2 miles. In the early 1960s the Old Stratford Arm was blocked adjacent to bridge 1 at Cosgrove. The remaining stub is used for moorings. The Buckingham Canal Society is working to restore the canal. Saturday 2 June 2007: The Old Stratford Arm was a short branch of the Grand Junction Canal which ran from the junction at Cosgrove to Hayes Basin at Old Stratford, a distance of less than 2 miles. In the early 1960s the Old Stratford Arm was blocked adjacent to bridge 1 at Cosgrove. The remaining stub is used for moorings. The Buckingham Canal Society is working to restore the canal.

Looking along the Old Stratford Arm from the junction at Cosgrove. 29th April 2006. OS: SP794422 View towards Old Stratford from the site of bridge 2. 2nd June 2007. OS: SP784418 Looking towards Cosgrove from the site of bridge 2. 2nd June 2007. OS: SP784418 Surviving brickwork at bridge 2. 2nd June 2007. OS: SP784418 View towards Cosgrove from near bridge 2. 2nd June 2007. OS: SP786418 View towards Cosgrove. 2nd June 2007. OS: SP789417 The tree-lined course of the canal looking towards Cosgrove. 2nd June 2007. OS: SP790417 View towards Cosgrove. The canal skirts the grounds of Cosgrove Hall at this point. 2nd June 2007. OS: SP792418 Looking towards Cosgrove and the site of bridge 1. 2nd June 2007. OS: SP792419 Surviving brickwork on the western side of bridge 1. 2nd June 2007. OS: SP793420 Looking towards the junction from the current limit of navigation at bridge 1. 2nd June 2007. OS: SP793420 The site of bridge 1 looking towards Old Stratford. 2nd June 2007. OS: SP793420 Looking towards Old Stratford from the site of bridge 1. 2nd June 2007. OS: SP793420 The embankment that has replaced bridge 2, looking towards Cosgrove. 2nd June 2007. OS: SP784418 Drainage sluice just west of bridge 2. 2nd June 2007. OS: SP783418 Drainage sluice entrance. 2nd June 2007. OS: SP783418 Remains of the paddle gear on the drainage sluice. 2nd June 2007. OS: SP783418 Looking towards Old Stratford from the bend before the A5. 2nd June 2007. OS: SP782417 Looking towards Cosgrove from the bend before the A5. 2nd June 2007. OS: SP782417 1919 casting date on the paddle. 2nd June 2007. OS: SP783418

Published in Canalside Camera

]]> Sat Jun 2 2007 06. Miscellaneous Vessels http://canalsidecamera.fpic.co.uk/c1083461.html Pictures of various craft that do not fit into any other category. Friday 15 September 2006: Pictures of various craft that do not fit into any other category.

A collection of sea-going vessels in Gloucester Docks in February 1995. A sailing vessel in front of the Biddle and Shipton warehouses in Gloucester Docks. 4th September 1996. The A vessel preserved at the Boat Museum at Ellesmere Port. The coaster An unidentified vessel at Gloucester. Sea cadet vessel The schooner The Bristol Channel pilot cutter Maritime Volunteer Service vessel Motor fishing vessel Wide boat A collection of various vessels including the Spurn lightship at Sharpness Docks. 20th July 2008.

Published in Canalside Camera

]]> Fri Sep 15 2006 03. Dredgers http://canalsidecamera.fpic.co.uk/c1083460.html Various dredgers that work on the rivers and wide canals of Great Britain. Friday 15 September 2006: Various dredgers that work on the rivers and wide canals of Great Britain.

Work underway on the dredger's boiler. Engine detail on the dredger. Dutch water jet dredger Interior cabin view of the dredger. Engine detail on the dredger. Detail of the buckets on the dredger. Dredger Reed cutting operations on the River Nene. 2nd August 2005. Floating suction plant at Purton on the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal. It was used for pumping dredgings from mud hoppers on the canal into the Severn. 6th April 2006. Bucket dredger no. 8 on the River Trent near Holmpierpoint Lock. 10th July 2006. Dredging discharge vessel on the Trent. 12th July 2006. British Waterways dredger British Waterways dredger Dutch-built steam dredger Bucket dredger with collapsable tower on the Stainforth & Keadby Navigation. Inside the suction plant at Purton. 20th July 2008. Dredger and barge on the Kennet & Avon Canal. 3rd August 2008.

Published in Canalside Camera

]]> Fri Sep 15 2006 12. Canal Buildings http://canalsidecamera.fpic.co.uk/c1033387.html Various canalside buildings from around the network. Wednesday 26 July 2006: Various canalside buildings from around the network.

The Upside Down house above Lisson Grove Tunnel seen from street level. 12th March 2006. Canal cottages at Wolverhampton Top Lock. 26th March 2002. Warehouse on the Huddersfield Narrow Canal. The British Waterways workshops at Bulbourne. 17th April 2004. Toll house at Cambrian Wharf. 14th July 2006. British Waterways office, Cambrian Wharf. 14th July 2006. The only surviving original warehouse at Sharpness Docks. April 1991. One of the distinctive bridge keeper's houses on the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal. 17th June 2007. Replica BCN toll house at the top of the Smethwick locks on the Old Main Line. 25th July 2006. New Smethwick Pumping Station. Built in 1892 to pump water from the New Mail Line to the Old Main Line. 25th July 2006. Canalside cottages near the aqueduct at Chirk. 1st April 2007. Detail of the tower on the Bulbourne workshops. 22nd June 2008. The toll house at Bulbourne. 22nd June 2008. One of the older buildings at Tooley's yard, Banbury. 12th July 2008. Wharf building at Aylesbury Basin, 6th September 2008. Wharf building at Marsworth. 20th September 2008. Derelict building beside Farmer's Bridge Bottom Lock. 26th September 2008. Lock Keeper's house at Grove, Grand Union Canal. 22nd May 2009. Warehouse at Piccadilly Basin, Rochdale Canal, Manchester. 1st June 2009. The old Harbour Master's house at Sharpness. After years of dereliction it was eventually restored and is now used by SARA (Severn Area Rescue Association). 27th October 2009.

Published in Canalside Camera

]]> Wed Jul 26 2006 18 (a). Disused Waterways - BCN Bradley Branch http://canalsidecamera.fpic.co.uk/c1030135.html Sometimes known as the Bradley Locks Branch, this arm of the BCN took an almost dead straight course from Moorcroft Junction on the Wallsall Canal to the Old Main Line in Bradley. There were nine locks on the branch of which only the first two are still visible. These pictures concentrate on the north eastern end of the branch which is still recognizable as a former canal. The rest of the route has been completely razed and infilled but nevertheless remains unobstructed. Restoring the branch and connecting it with the remnant of the Old Main Line that runs from Deepfields Junction to Bradely BW workshops would create an interesting and useful east-west link through the Black Country. Sunday 23 July 2006: Sometimes known as the Bradley Locks Branch, this arm of the BCN took an almost dead straight course from Moorcroft Junction on the Wallsall Canal to the Old Main Line in Bradley. There were nine locks on the branch of which only the first two are still visible. These pictures concentrate on the north eastern end of the branch which is still recognizable as a former canal. The rest of the route has been completely razed and infilled but nevertheless remains unobstructed. Restoring the branch and connecting it with the remnant of the Old Main Line that runs from Deepfields Junction to Bradely BW workshops would create an interesting and useful east-west link through the Black Country.

The entrance to the branch at Moorcroft Junction. 13th July 2006. OS: SO973951 Just beyond the junction the canal still retains water. 13th July 2006. OS: SO792951 The towpath along this first section of the branch forms one of the paths in the Moorcroft Wood Nature Reserve. 13th July 2006. OS: SO792951 The canal looking towards the junction, choked with reeds and balsam. 13th July 2006. OS: SO971950 Looking back towards the junction from the first lock. 13th July 2006. OS: SO968949 The lower end of the first lock. 13th July 2006. OS: SO968949 Lock 1. The brickwork was restored prior to infilling. 13th July 2006. OS: SO968949 An old sofa by the paddle inlet at the top end of the first lock. 13th July 2006. OS: SO968949 The pound between locks 1 and 2 is crossed on a girder bridge by the GWR's Birmingham - Wolverhampton main line. The railway was disused between 1972 and 1999 but the bridge now carries the Midland Metro. 13th July 2006. OS: SO967948 Bottom end of lock 2 showing a mixture of old and modern brickwork. 13th July 2006. OS: SO967948 Lock 2 from the bottom end. 13th July 2006. OS: SO967948 Lock 2 seen from the top end. 13th July 2006. OS: SO967948 Top end of lock 2 showing the culvert that allows water to flow towards the junction. 13th July 2006. OS: SO967948 The site of one of the ground paddles on lock 2. 13th July 2006. OS: SO967948 The infilled chamber of lock 2. 13th July 2006. OS: SO967948 Evidence that the locks had single gates at the bottom end. 13th July 2006. OS: SO967948 Brick edging in the pound above lock 2. 13th July 2006. OS: SO967948 Looking back towards the GWR bridge from above lock 2. 13th July 2006. OS: SO967948 Looking in the opposite direction towards the Great Bridge Road bridge. 13th July 2006. OS: SO967948 The western side of the Great Bridge Road bridge. 13th July 2006. OS: SO966947 Looking back towards the junction from Great Bridge Road. 13th July 2006. OS: SO966947 The eastern side of the Great Bridge Road bridge. 13th July 2006. OS: SO966947 Close up showing the top of the bricked-up arch. 13th July 2006. OS: SO966947 The route of the infilled branch looking east from near Great Bridge Road. Lock 3 must have been located somewhere around here. 13th July 2006. OS: SO965947

Published in Canalside Camera

]]> Sun Jul 23 2006 18 (b). Disused Waterways - Buckingham Arm http://canalsidecamera.fpic.co.uk/c941542.html The Buckingham Arm branched off the Old Stratford Arm and followed the Ouse valley for nine and a half miles to Buckingham. There were just two locks on the Arm, at Bourton and Hyde Lane. The waterway gradually fell into disuse through the early 1900s and was barely navigable beyond Deanshanger by 1904. The navigation was finally closed comletely in 1944 when the Old Stratford Arm was blocked at bridge 1. The Buckingham Canal Society is working to restore the canal. Sunday 30 April 2006: The Buckingham Arm branched off the Old Stratford Arm and followed the Ouse valley for nine and a half miles to Buckingham. There were just two locks on the Arm, at Bourton and Hyde Lane. The waterway gradually fell into disuse through the early 1900s and was barely navigable beyond Deanshanger by 1904. The navigation was finally closed comletely in 1944 when the Old Stratford Arm was blocked at bridge 1. The Buckingham Canal Society is working to restore the canal.

The Buckingham Arm formation as it enters Deanshanger from the south. 29th April 2006. OS: SP766393 Canal bed looking north near Deanshanger. 29th April 2006. OS: SP765391 Canal bed looking south near Deanshanger. 29th April 2006. OS: SP765391 An 1880s map of the canal in the Deanshanger area (Image produced from the www.old-maps.co.uk service with permission of Landmark Information Group Ltd. and Ordnance Survey). Satellite view of Deanshanger showing the canal route which can still be determined by a combination of surviving sections, hedges and field boundaries. Near the top right the canal route is still visible as a pale line through the large ploughed field. The positions of bridges 9 to 11 are also marked. (Image courtesy of Google Earth). Bridge 18 at Thornton. 29th April 2006. OS: SP749364 A closer view of bridge 18 showing the remains of the towpath and the infill beyond. 29th April 2006. OS: SP749364 The site of Thornton Wharf looking towards Buckingham. 29th April 2006. OS: SP749364 The dry canal bed approaching Thornton Wharf, looking towards Old Stratford. 29th April 2006. OS: SP748364 Looking towards Buckingham from the same spot. 29th April 2006. OS: SP748364 The canal bed curving to the west between Thornton and Cattleford. 29th April 2006. OS: SP747363 From a vantage point in the middle of the canal bed, looking back towards Thornton. 29th April 2006. OS: SP747363 The dry canal formation looking towards Buckingham with bridge 19 in the distance. 29th April 2006. OS: SP746363 Remains of bridge 19 from the Old Stratford side. 29th April 2006. OS: SP744364 Looking back towards Thornton from bridge 19. 29th April 2006. OS: SP744364 Remains of bridge 19 from the Buckingham side. 29th April 2006. OS: SP744364 Looking towards Cattleford from beneath bridge 19. 29th April 2006. OS: SP744364 The wooded canal formation on the approach to Cattleford Aqueduct. 29th April 2006. OS: SP743364 Looking back towards bridge 19 from the site of Cattleford Aqueduct. 29th April 2006. OS: SP742363 The site of Cattleford Aqueduct, now lost under the widened A422. 29th April 2006. OS: SP742363 Looking towards Buckingham from the site of bridge 22 at Leckhampstead. 29th April 2006. OS: SP737358 The infilled course of the canal looking east towards the combined canal/river section. 1st May 2006. OS: SP710343 The infilled canal looking towards lock 2. 1st May 2006. OS: SP710343 The course of the canal looking east from lock 2. 1st May 2006. OS: SP710342 The apprach to the site of lock 2 (Bourton Lock) and the lock cottage from the west. 1st May 2006. OS: SP709341 Looking towards lock 2 from the spill weir. 1st May 2006. OS: SP709339 The restored spill weir at Bourton Meadow. 1st May 2006. OS: SP709339 The dry but relatively intact canal bed looking east at Bourton Meadow. 1st May 2006. OS: SP708339 The course of the canal looking towards Bourton Meadow. 1st May 2006. OS: SP708338 Looking towards Buckingham from the same spot. 1st May 2006. OS: SP708338 Looking east along the infilled canal bed from near the site of bridge 27. West of this spot the canal is obliterated by the A413. 1st May 2006. OS: SP708337 An 1880s map of the canal in Buckingham. (Image produced from the www.old-maps.co.uk service with permission of Landmark Information Group Ltd. and Ordnance Survey). Satellite view of the area around the sharp U bend at Buckingham. The canal route has been marked on the photo along with the positions of bridges 27 and 28. The line of the canal is clearly visible as it runs across the school field in the centre of the picture, although it cannot be seen from the ground. (Image courtesy of Google Earth). Map of the Buckingham and Old Stratford Arms adapted from the Buckingham Canal Society interpretation board at Cosgrove. The dry canal bed looking towards Buckingham from near bridge 22. 2nd June 2007. OS: SP735357 The site of bridge 22, looking east. 2nd June 2007. OS: SP737358 Fence across the canal bed between bridge 22 and Hydelane Farm. 2nd June 2007. OS: SP734356 Dry canal bed near Hydelane Farm. 2nd June 2007. OS: SP733356 Reeded section indicating that some water is retained in the canal bed. 2nd June 2007. OS: SP732355 Remains of a flood paddle. 2nd June 2007. OS: SP734356 Overgrown canal bed at Hydelane Farm. 2nd June 2007. OS: SP730355 Wooded section on the approach to bridge 23. 2nd June 2007. OS: SP729354 Bridge 23. The old abutments are spanned by a modern footbridge. 2nd June 2007. OS: SP728354 Bridge 23. Water in the bridge hole. 2nd June 2007. OS: SP728354 A short section of canal between bridge 23 and lock 1 still retains water. 2nd June 2007. OS: SP728353 The approach to lock 1 from the bottom end. 2nd June 2007. OS: SP727353 Some more remains of the top gate. 2nd June 2007. OS: SP727353 Looking towards Buckingham from above lock 1. 2nd June 2007. OS: SP727352 The lock chamber seen from the top end showing evidence of restoration work by the Buckingham Canal Society. 2nd June 2007. OS: SP727353 The top end of the lock with the gate recess on the left. 2nd June 2007. OS: SP727353

Published in Canalside Camera

]]> Sun Apr 30 2006 18 (h). Disused Waterways - Thames & Severn Canal http://canalsidecamera.fpic.co.uk/c939809.html A small selection of pictures of the Thames & Severn Canal. More will be added soon. Friday 28 April 2006: A small selection of pictures of the Thames & Severn Canal. More will be added soon.

Disused chamber of one of the Sickeridge locks near Sapperton Tunnel. 14th November 2004. A section of canal in the Golden Valley near Stroud. 14th November 2004. Another overgrown Thames & Severn lock. 14th November 2004. Wallbridge Upper Lock on 26th February 2005. In the background is one of the abutments of the bridge that gave road access to the Midland Railway's Stroud (Wallbridge) station. Cerney Wick lock under restoration in the early 1980s. Looking towards the junction with the Stroudwater Navigation at Wallbridge. 26th April 2006. Looking west towards Wallbridge basin from the Old Bath Road bridge. 26th April 2006. Old Bath Road bridge at Wallbridge. 26th April 2006. The lower end of Wallbridge Upper Lock. 26th April 2006. Wallbridge Upper Lock seen from the bottom end. 26th April 2006. Paddle gear at Wallbridge Upper Lock. 26th April 2006. Looking towards Brimscombe from Wallbridge Upper Lock. 26th April 2006. The southern portal of Sapperton Tunnel at Coates being restored in December 1976. (Photo courtesy of David Stowell). Siddington Second Lock and the circular pound that preceeds it looking towards Inglesham. October 2007. OS: SU030996 The circular pound between the Upper and Second locks at Siddington. October 2007. OS: SU030996 Looking back towards Stroud from Siddington Second Lock showing the road bridge and the site of Siddington Upper Lock beyond. October 2007. OS: SU030996 Looking towards Siddington Second Lock from the top end of Siddington Third Lock. October 2007. OS: SU031996 Siddington Third Lock seen from the bottom end. October 2007. OS: SU032996 A lock chamber near Chalford. 2nd June 2007. The canal bed near Chalford. 2nd June 2007.

Published in Canalside Camera

]]> Fri Apr 28 2006 01 (e). Narrowboats - Miscellaneous http://canalsidecamera.fpic.co.uk/c933760.html Pictures of various narrowboats including hire fleets and privately owned boats. More to ba added ASAP. Sunday 23 April 2006: Pictures of various narrowboats including hire fleets and privately owned boats. More to ba added ASAP.

Another Piper boat, A former Tolladine boat in superb condition. Tolladine were based at Stoke Prior in the late 1970s and built their own fleet of hire boats as well as other vessels for private buyers. An example of a vessel built by Morgan Giles of Aynho. Kennet & Avon Canal near Bathampton. 10th August 2003. Twinram hireboat Narrowboat at Aylesbury Basin, 5th September 2006. Narrowboat Narrowboat at Aylesbury Basin, 5th September 2006. A tiny narrowboat moored in the former brewery arm at Farmer's Bridge Junction. 14th July 2006. Former Tolladine boat An immaculate private narrowboat at Hatton. 14th July 2006. A typical Harborough-built vessel moored at Marsworth. 18th November 2005. Narrowboat of unknown origin at Marsworth. 28th March 2006. Converted BW maintenence motor boat Narrowboat at Saul Junction. 17th June 2007. The Tolladine hire fleet at Stoke Prior in 1977 with Replica FMC motor boat Anglo-Welsh hireboat A residential narrowboat moored on the Aylesbury Arm. 22nd March 2009.

Published in Canalside Camera

]]> Sun Apr 23 2006 18 (j). Disused Waterways - Miscellaneous http://canalsidecamera.fpic.co.uk/c932742.html Various shots of disused canals from across the country. More pictures will be added soon. Saturday 22 April 2006: Various shots of disused canals from across the country. More pictures will be added soon.

The entrance to the Caistor Canal seen in 2002. (Picture courtesy of Martin Wilson). Greywell Tunnel on the Basingstoke Canal. 28th July 2004. An old postcard showing the western portal of Lappal tunnel on the Dudley No. 2 Canal. It was the fourth longest canal tunnel in Britain (after Standedge, Strood & Sapperton). It closed in 1917 and very little remains of it now. The Chatterley portal of the first, disused Harecastle Tunnel. (2633 metres). 22nd June 1997. Newbold Tunnel on the North Oxford Canal. This section of the canal is on one of the disused loops, left when the canal was straightened. 1988. A disused narrow lock on the Hatton flight, converted into a bypass weir. 14th July 2006. Southnet Tunnel interior. It is an impressive 1,146 metres long. An even longer tunnel at Pensax on the same canal was never completed. 16th April 2006. (Picture courtesy of Martin Wilson). Southnet Tunnel on the Kington, Leominster & Stourport Canal. Although it was competed in 1795 this part of the canal was never opened and the tunnel saw no commercial traffic. 16th April 2006. (Picture courtesy of Martin Wilson). The Kington, Leominster & Stourport Canal near Southnet Tunnel. 16th April 2006. (Picture courtesy of Martin Wilson). One of the few surviving remnants of the Croydon Canal in Betts Park, Anerley. 4th June 2008. Part of the Caen Hill flight on the Kennet & Avon when under restoration in January 1975. Cambrian Wharf, Birmingham. Beyond the boat the canal once continued on to the wharves at Newhall and also to Baskerville Basin via Gibsons Tunnel. 27th May 2008. The entrance to the Cambridge Arm of the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal. Though long disused, it still functions as a feeder. 17th June 2007. The Cromford Canal near Butterley Tunnel. 15th July 2006. OS: SK421513 The eastern end of Buttlerley Tunnel on the Cromford Canal. 15th July 2006. OS: SK421513 Restoration underway on the Droitwich Barge Canal in March 1977. (Picture courtesy of David Stowell). Hanbury Junction on the Droitwich Narrow Canal. Lock 2E on the Huddersfield Narrow Canal. The restored canal passes through the lock chamber on the level in order to access the new Bates Tunnel. (Photo courtesy of David Stowell). OS: SE146160 Huddersfield Narrow Canal, Lock 17E, Linthwaite. The lock is seen here prior to restoration when it was cascaded. (Photo courtesy of David Stowell). OS: SE095146 The long disused Llanthony Lock on the Severn at Gloucester. 19th September 1989. The remains of a lock on the Liskeard & Looe Canal in Cornwall. June 1990. (Picture courtesy of David Stowell). Disused narrow locks at Knowle on the Grand Union Canal. (Picture courtesy of Martin Wilson). The entrance to the former Cumberland Arm of the Regents Canal. The main line diverges on the left. The Arm terminated at Cumberland Basin near Euston Station. It was closed during Word War 2 and infilled with rubble from war damaged London. Most of the line has now been built on. 28th April 2007. Entrance to the long disused second flight of locks at Smethwick. 25th July 2006. Part of the former Tavistock Canal in Devon. June 1990. (Picture courtesy of David Stowell). The entrance to the former Whitmore Arm and basin, part way down the Farmers Bridge flight of locks. 14th July 2006. looking over the top of the same bridge in Selly Oak Park. 2nd July 2006. (Picture courtesy of David Stowell). A bridge over the former Dudley No. 2 Canal in Selly Oak Park. 2nd July 2006. (Picture courtesy of David Stowell). The disused Chesterfield Canal near Norwood Tunnel. 2nd August 2006. The bricked up eastern portal of Norwood Tunnel. 2nd August 2006. Looking east from above Norwood Tunnel. 2nd August 2006. The entrance (right) to the Old Hill Colliery branch on the Dudley No 2 Canal. 1st October 2006. Bricked up bridge arch at the junction of the Old Hill Colliery branch. 1st October 2006. A short section of the Oxford Canal at Banbury was required for road construction so a diversion was built in the 1980s. This is the point where the present line diverges from the original, the truncated remains of which can be seen on the right. 21st March 2008. The former entrance to a factory wharf at Cambrian Wharf, Birmingham. 27th May 2008.

Published in Canalside Camera

]]> Sat Apr 22 2006 18 (g). Disused Waterways - Stroudwater Navigation http://canalsidecamera.fpic.co.uk/c906142.html The Stroudwater Navigation forms the western part of the so called Cotswold Canals. It ran from The River Severn at Framilode to Stroud where it made an end on connection with the Thames & Severn Canal. More pictures will be added to this section in time. Wednesday 29 March 2006: The Stroudwater Navigation forms the western part of the so called Cotswold Canals. It ran from The River Severn at Framilode to Stroud where it made an end on connection with the Thames & Severn Canal. More pictures will be added to this section in time.

New housing between Oil Mills Bridge and Ebley Mill. 26th February 2005. OS: SO829044 A similar view taken on 26th February 2005. OS: SO824046 Ryeford Footbridge looking west. 26th February 2005. OS: SO814046 Looking back towards the railway bridge from beneath the A419 bridge. 26th February 2005. OS: SO809047 The short navigable section of the canal looking towards Saul Junction from Walk Bridge. 25th March 1990. OS: SO758089 The restored Blunder Lock. September 1996. OS: SO788058 A similar view of Ocean Bridge when the canal was open. Paddle gear on the derelict Ryeford Double Lock. 1991. OS: SO819046 Looking west towards Bonds Mill from the site of the railway overbridge at Stonehouse. 26th April 2006. OS: SO796051 Stonehouse Ocean, a basin immediately east of the railway bridge. 26th April 2006. OS: SO797051 Another view of Stonehouse Ocean. 26th April 2006. OS: SO797051 Ocean Bridge, Stonehouse. 26th April 2006. OS: SO798050 The canal looking east as it passes St Cyr's church, Stonehouse. 26th April 2006. OS: SO798050 Looking west near St Cyr's church. 26th April 2006. OS: SO800049 Nutshell Bridge and Cottage seen from the west. 26th April 2006. OS: SO800049 Nutshell Bridge and House seen from the east. 26th April 2006. OS: SO801049 Stonehouse Wharf, now a housing development. 26th April 2006. OS: SO803048 A similar view of Stonehouse Wharf before redevelopment. 1st July 1991. OS: SO803048 The former wharf building at Stonehouse. 1st July 1991. OS: SO803048 Looking west with Stonehouse Cross Bridge in the distance. 26th April 2006. OS: SO805047 Plaque on the rebuilt Stonehouse Cross Bridge. 26th April 2006. OS: SO804048 Looking east from the site of Stonehouse Bridge. 26th April 2006. OS: SO805047 The former Wycliffe College boathouse. 26th April 2006. OS: SO805048 View looking east towards the Nailsworth branch railway bridge and the A419 bridge beyond. 26th April 2006. OS: SO808047 The A419 bridge which was constructed in the 1990s. 26th April 2006. OS: SO809047 Looking back west towards the A419 bridge. 26th April 2006. OS: SO810046 The canal approaching Ryeford. 26th April 2006. OS: SO810046 Canal Cottages, Ryeford. 26th April 2006. OS: SO811046 Looking east towards Ryeford Bridge. 26th April 2006. OS: SO812046 Ryeford Bridge from the west. 26th April 2006. OS: SO813046 Ryeford Bridge from the east. 26th April 2006. OS: SO813046 Looking towards Stroud from Ryeford Bridge. 26th April 2006. OS: SO813046 Ryeford Footbridge. 26th April 2006. OS: SO814046 Looking east from Ryeford Footbridge. 26th April 2006. OS: SO814046 Infilled section of the canal near Ebley. 1991. Infilled section of the canal near Ebley. 1991. The infilled canal near Ebley. 1991. OS: SO824046 Looking west from near Oil Mills Bridge. 1991. OS: SO825046 Looking west towards Oil Mills Bridge from the site of Ebley Mill Bridge. 26th April 2006. OS: SO829046 Looking towards Stroud from Ebley Mill Bridge. The canal here was infilled for many years. 26th April 2006. OS: SO829046 This is the same view as the previous picture taken in 1991 when this section was infilled. OS: SO829046 The course of the canal through Ebley Mill prior to restoration. 1991. OS: SO830046 The infilled course of the canal passing Ebley Mill. 1991. OS: SO830046 The course of the canal at Frome Gardens between Ebley and Cainscross. This is another section that has since been restored. July 1991. OS: SO831046 Looking west towards Ebley Mill from the restored section at Frome Gardens. 26th February 2005. OS: SO831046 A section that, although overgrown, retains water. Ebley 1991. OS: SO833047 Another view of the canal between Ebley and Cainscross. 1991. The Stroudwater company offices at Wallbridge. 26th April 2006. OS: SO847050 The top entrance to the lock that raised the long abandoned section from Framilode up to the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal at Saul Junction. 17th June 2007. OS: SO755094 The canal looking towards Stroud from Saul Junction. 17th June 2007. OS: SO756093

Published in Canalside Camera

]]> Wed Mar 29 2006 18 (i). Disused Waterways - Wendover Arm http://canalsidecamera.fpic.co.uk/c904194.html The Wendover Arm of the Grand Union Canal was completed in 1797 and, although it carried commercial traffic, its main purpose was to feed water into the summit section of the Grand Union. The canal was closed to boats above Tringford in 1904 but remained as a feeder for the Grand Union. However, the section from Drayton Beauchamp to Tringford was drained and replaced by a pipe below the former canal bed. The canal is being restored by the Wendover Arm Trust. I have nearly finished photographing the Arm, the final couple of outstanding sections will be added soon. Monday 27 March 2006: The Wendover Arm of the Grand Union Canal was completed in 1797 and, although it carried commercial traffic, its main purpose was to feed water into the summit section of the Grand Union. The canal was closed to boats above Tringford in 1904 but remained as a feeder for the Grand Union. However, the section from Drayton Beauchamp to Tringford was drained and replaced by a pipe below the former canal bed. The canal is being restored by the Wendover Arm Trust. I have nearly finished photographing the Arm, the final couple of outstanding sections will be added soon.

The canal under restoration between the stop lock and Little Tring Bridge. 17th April 2004. OS: SP917129 Bridge 9 (Rothschild Bridge) at Halton. 17th August 2005. OS: SP874102 Looking towards the junction from Tring Wharf Bridge. 17th April 2006. OS: SP923131 Tring Wharf Bridge (No. 2). 17th April 2006. OS: SP923131 Looking towards Wendover from Tring Wharf. 17th April 2006. OS: SP923131 Heygates Mill at Tring Wharf. 17th April 2006. OS: SP923130 The canal winding towards Tring Wharf from the west. 17th April 2006. OS: SP919129 Looking towards Tring wharf from Tringford. 17th April 2006. OS: SP918129 Tringford pumping station. 17th April 2006. OS: SP917129 Tringford stop lock looking towards Wendover. 17th April 2006. OS: SP917129 Tringford stop lock looking towards Bulbourne. 17th April 2006. OS: SP917129 The superbly executed replica Little Tring Bridge (No. 3). 17th April 2006. OS: SP916128 Little Tring Bridge from road level. 17th April 2006. OS: SP916128 Rubbing plate on Little Tring Bridge. 17th April 2006. OS: SP916128 Looking back towards Little Tring Bridge from the newly restored section. 17th April 2006. OS: SP916128 A classic English canal scene at Little Tring. It is hard to believe this was all dereliction just a few years ago. 17th April 2006. OS: SP916128 Looking across the winding hole that has been created at Little Tring. 17th April 2006. OS: SP914128 This section of canal describes a The current limit of navigation at Little Tring. 17th April 2006. OS: SP915128 The infilled section of the S bend at Little Tring looking towards the Junction. 12th May 2006. OS: SP915130 Looking towards the junction from the start of the infilled section. 12th May 2006. OS: SP915130 The end of the dry section and the beginning of the infilled section. 12th May 2006. OS: SP915131 The route of the canal curving round the western end of the S bend. 12th May 2006. OS: SP914131 Looking in the opposite direction towards Wendover from the same spot. 12th May 2006. OS: SP914131 Footbridge 4 under construction. There was originally a swing bridge at this point. 12th May 2006. OS: SP911128 Looking towards bridge 4 from the east. 12th May 2006. OS: SP909126 The approach to Whitehouses with the narrows in the distance. 12th May 2006. OS: SP909126 Narrows at Whitehouses. 12th May 2006. OS: SP909126 The wharf structure at the site of Whitehouses pumping station. 12th May 2006. OS: SP909126 Paddle gear in the canal bed controlling water flow from the culverted canal. 12th May 2006. OS: SP909126 Water ducts from the Whitehouses pump house. 12th May 2006. OS: SP909126 Bridge 4a under construction. This will carry a footpath over the restored canal. 12th May 2006. OS: SP908125 The approach to bridge 4a looking towards Bulbourne. 12th May 2006. OS: SP908124 Canal bed between Drayton Beauchamp and Whitehouses. 12th May 2006. OS: SP906122 The dry canal bed looking towards Bulbourne, just beyond Drayton Beauchamp. 12th May 2006. OS: SP905122 Looking back towards Drayton Beauchamp from the same spot. 12th May 2006. OS: SP905122 Looking back towards Tring from near Drayton Beauchamp. 16th April 2006. OS: SP904120 Looking east towards the bund at Drayton Beauchamp which keeps the following section in water. 16th April 2006. OS: SP903120 The bund looking in the opposite direction towards Drayton Bridge. 16th April 2006. OS: SP904120 Bridge 5 (Drayton Bridge). 16th April 2006. OS: SP904119 Looking back east along the restored cutting towards Drayton Bridge. 16th April 2006. OS: SP902119 The point at which the deviation taking the canal under the Aston Clinton Bypass diverges from the old route (right). 16th April 2006. OS: SP901118 Never to see boats again. The abandoned section bypassed by the deviation, looking west. 16th April 2006. OS: SP901118 Looking east from the abandoned canal bed towards the bank that supports the diverted route. 16th April 2006. OS: SP901118 The abandoned section seen from the point where the bypass crosses it. 16th April 2006. OS: SP900118 Back on the deviation we come to Saxon Way Bridge (No. 5AA) which carries the Aston Clinton Bypass. 16th April 2006. OS: SP900117 Looking back towards Saxon Way Bridge from the west. 16th April 2006. OS: SP899117 On the western side of the bypass the abandoned canal line has been converted into a drainage pond for the road. 16th April 2006. OS: SP898117 Looking towards Buckland Wharf from the point where the canal regains the original course. 16th April 2006. OS: SP898117 Looking east from near bridge 5A. 28th March 2006. OS: SP896116

Published in Canalside Camera

]]> Mon Mar 27 2006 18 (d). Disused Waterways - Coombe Hill Canal http://canalsidecamera.fpic.co.uk/c904192.html The short Coombe Hill Canal ran from the River Severn near Wainlode Hill to Combe Hill Basin, a few miles north west of Cheltenham. There was one lock at the junction with the Severn but otherwise there were no major works of civil engineering. The canal closed in 1876 but still retains water for some of its length and is now a nature reserve. Monday 27 March 2006: The short Coombe Hill Canal ran from the River Severn near Wainlode Hill to Combe Hill Basin, a few miles north west of Cheltenham. There was one lock at the junction with the Severn but otherwise there were no major works of civil engineering. The canal closed in 1876 but still retains water for some of its length and is now a nature reserve.

The basin at the Coombe Hill terminus. 20th June 1991. OS Grid Ref: SO885272 Looking towards the Severn from the footbridge. 20th June 1991. OS Grid Ref: SO880271 A footbridge crosses the canal a short distance from the terminus. 20th June 1991. OS Grid Ref: SO880271 Looking towards the terminus from the footbridge. 20th June 1991. OS Grid Ref: SO880271 One of the dry sections of the canal. 20th June 1991. OS Grid Ref: SO876270 A road bridge crosses the canal near the junction with the Severn. 20th June 1991. OS Grid Ref: SO850265

Published in Canalside Camera

]]> Mon Mar 27 2006 18 (e). Disused Waterways - Hereford & Gloucester Canal http://canalsidecamera.fpic.co.uk/c903760.html The Hereford and Gloucester Canal closed in 1883 and the eastern half of the route between Ledbury and Gloucester was converted into a railway. I will add more pictures showing the rest of the route as time progresses. Monday 27 March 2006: The Hereford and Gloucester Canal closed in 1883 and the eastern half of the route between Ledbury and Gloucester was converted into a railway. I will add more pictures showing the rest of the route as time progresses.

The opposite side of Ell Brook Aqueduct on 22nd January 2005. Ell Brook Aqueduct under restoration on 22nd January 2005. Gate recess on House Lock. 22nd January 2005. The course of the Coal Branch looking south from near the site of the junction. 22nd January 2007. OS: SO712267 A close up of the south portal. 22nd January 2005. Interior view of Oxenhall Tunnel. 22nd January 2005. The site of Over Lock where the canal met the western channel of the River Severn. The lock was very deep, having a drop of 13 feet. Most of the brick and stonework was removed when the canal closed but some remains are visible on the left. 25th March 2006. OS: SO816197 The restored Over Basin. On the right is the entrance to Over Lock. 25th March 2006. OS: SO816197 Satellite image of the Over area. The restored section of the canal can be seen next to the river top right. The abandoned section of canal is marked in red. The course of the later railway is marked in blue. (Image courtesy of Google Earth). At Rudford the railway diverged from the former canal bed leaving a loop of abandoned canal nearly half a mile long. The line of the railway is marked on this satellite image with blue dots and the canal bed is marked with red dots. The site of a former bridge can be seen towards the right hand side of the loop. The OS grid reference for the centre of this image is SO784209. (Image courtesy of Google Earth). An 1889 map of the canal at Rudford. The bridge that shows up in the satellite view can be seen near the centre of the extract (Image produced from the www.old-maps.co.uk service with permission of Landmark Information Group Ltd. and Ordnance Survey). The line of the canal at Rudford church looking towards Gloucester. The bridge dates from the later railway. 25th March 2006. OS: SO779216 An 1889 map of the canal in the vicinity of Rudford church. (Image produced from the www.old-maps.co.uk service with permission of Landmark Information Group Ltd. and Ordnance Survey). Satellite image of the same area next to Rudford church. As can be seen, the railway took a straighter route here, bypassing a small loop of canal bed. (Image courtesy of Google Earth). Looking towards Newent across the area in the previous satellite image showing the wide formation here. The railway ran parallel to the left hand boundary. The northern bank of the canal can still be seen on the far right. 25th March 2006. OS: SO779216 Sometimes satellite imagery can show things that are not apparent on maps or in the field. Near Tibberton a loop of the canal was left when the railway was constructed on a straighter alignment. The railway trackbed runs diagonally across the middle of the picture and the course of the canal loop is clearly visible curving around past the bottom left of the picture. (Image courtesy of Google Earth). 1889 map of the same area showing the section of canal near Tibberton. (Image produced from the www.old-maps.co.uk service with permission of Landmark Information Group Ltd. and Ordnance Survey). Railway bridge over the formation that once carried the Gloucester - Newent Road. This was the site of Road Lock. 25th March 2006. OS: SO748247 Looking towards Newent from the road to Moat Farm. The railway trackbed is in the foreground, the canal course diverged to the left for a short distance from this point. 25th March 2007. OS: SO759240 OS 1:25000 map of the Moat Farm area showing the surviving canal loop south of the later railway formation. Satellite view of the disused canal loop at Moat Farm. (Image courtesy of Google Earth). The course of the canal east of Newent showing the southward bend that was bypassed by the later railway. I have maked the canal in blue for clarity. (Image produced from the www.old-maps.co.uk service with permission of Landmark Information Group Ltd. and Ordnance Survey). OS 1:25000 map of the area showing the abandoned loop (circled). Satellite view of the loop at Newent with the canal route marked in red. The railway followed the formation now taken by the B4215 road. (Image courtesy of Google Earth). Abutments of the railway bridge over the Newent - Dymock road. The canal crossed the road at the same point but at a much lower level, passing beneath rather than over the road. 25th March 2007. OS: SO720263 The remains of Newent railway station looking towards Dymock. The canal passed through this point at a lower level. The restored canal will pass through at the higher, railway level, using the platform faces for the banks of the cut. 25th March 2007. OS: SO719263 Looking towards Oxenhall from the site of Ell Brook Aqueduct. 25th March 2006. OS: SO714264 The site of Bottom Lock. 25th March 2006. OS: SO713266 The restored pound between House Lock and Bottom Lock. 25th March 2006. OS: SO713265 Looking towards House Lock. 25th March 2006. OS: SO713266 A similar view from August 1997 during the early stages of restoration. (Picture courtesy of David Stowell). The restored chamber of House Lock. 25th March 2006. OS: SO713266 House lock in August 1997. (Picture courtesy of David Stowell). The lock cottage at House Lock. 25th March 2006. OS: SO713266 The pound between House Lock and Top Lock. 25th March 2006. OS: SO712267 The site of Top Lock. This was quite a shallow lock with a drop of only 3 feet. 25th March 2006. OS: SO712268 The canal between Top Lock and Cold Harbour Bridge, looking towards the former. 25th March 2006. OS: SO711271 The canal between Top Lock and Cold Harbour Bridge, looking towards the latter. 25th March 2006. OS: SO711271 Looking north towards Cold Harbour Bridge. 25th March 2006. OS: SO710273 Cold Harbour Bridge from towpath level. 25th March 2006. OS: SO710274 Cold Harbour Bridge from road level. 25th March 2006. OS: SO710274 H&G Canal Trust plaque on Cold Harbour Bridge. 25th March 2006. OS: SO710274 Looking back towards Cold Harbour Bridge from the cutting approaching Oxenhamm Tunnel. 25th March 2006. OS: SO709275 Near Oxenhall Tunnel, looking south. 25th March 2006. OS: SO709275 The southern portal of Oxenhall Tunnel. It is 2,004 metres (2,192 yd) long. 25th March 2006. OS: SO709276 Satellite image of Ashperton tunnel. The overgrown approach cuttings can be seen as well as the five mounds of spoil, two of which are tree covered. I have been told that both portals have been tipped over and no brickwork is visible but access to the portals is very difficult so I cannot confirm this. (Image courtesy of Google Earth). The infilled line of the canal looking north west towards Aylestone from the Widemarsh Road bridge in Hereford. 28th June 2006. OS: SO511408 The widened, north western parapet of the Widemarsh Road bridge. 28th June 2006. OS: SO511408 The south eastern side of the Widemarsh Road bridge with the bricked-up arch just visible. 28th June 2006. OS: SO511408 H&G Canal Trust plaque on Widemarsh Bridge. 28th June 2006. OS: SO511408

Published in Canalside Camera

]]> Mon Mar 27 2006 05. Pleasure Boats and River Ferries http://canalsidecamera.fpic.co.uk/c826988.html Pictures of wide beam pleasure and trip boats on the Inland Waterways. Also covered are small, unpowered river ferries. More coming soon. Friday 13 January 2006: Pictures of wide beam pleasure and trip boats on the Inland Waterways. Also covered are small, unpowered river ferries. More coming soon.

Salter's trip boat Replica American deep south paddle steamer The Salter's trip boat The The lower of the two cable ferries at Symonds Yat on the River Wye. As can be seen, the ferry is pulled across by the operator who grips a cable strung across the river. 28th June 2004. The upper cable ferry at Symonds Yat, River Wye. 28th June 2004. Thames trip boat The The Paddle powered trip boat One of the Symonds Yat ferries in 1933. The way down to the Symonds Yat ferry, 1933. Vessels belonging to the Willow Trust on the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal. The Trust offers freedom for the disabled on the water by providing days out for children and adults with learning and physical disabilities and those who are seriously ill. 17th June 2007. The Horse drawn trip boat on the Grand Western Canal at Tiverton. 1974

Published in Canalside Camera

]]> Fri Jan 13 2006 17 (a). Classic Canal Postcards - Hall/Yeates Line Art Cards http://canalsidecamera.fpic.co.uk/c811544.html These attractive line art cards were published by Exeter artists and canal enthusiasts Jean Hall and Joy Yeates in the 1970s and 80s. I currently only have a few of these cards. If anyone can supply me with examples of other postcards in the series (scans or originals) I would be grateful. Please note; Jean Hall & Joy Yeates retain copyright on these images. They are not to be copied or reproduced. Saturday 31 December 2005: These attractive line art cards were published by Exeter artists and canal enthusiasts Jean Hall and Joy Yeates in the 1970s and 80s. I currently only have a few of these cards. If anyone can supply me with examples of other postcards in the series (scans or originals) I would be grateful. Please note; Jean Hall & Joy Yeates retain copyright on these images. They are not to be copied or reproduced.

Braunston. Braunston Bottom Lock, Grand Union Canal. (Jean Hall). Braunston Bottom Lock, Grand Union Canal. (Joy Yeates). Bude Canal. Hillmorton Middle Lock, North Oxford Canal. (Jean Hall). Kennet and Avon Canal. Lowsonford Lock, Stratford-upon-Avon Canal. (Jean Hall). Llangollen Canal. (Jean Hall). Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal. Napton Marina. (Jean Hall). Oxford Canal. Shrposhire Union Canal. Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal. Tyrley Locks, Shrposhire Union Canal. (Joy Yeates). Whittington Lock, Staffs and Worcestershire Canal. (Jean Hall).

Published in Canalside Camera

]]> Sat Dec 31 2005 13. Canal Pub Signs http://canalsidecamera.fpic.co.uk/c809686.html A selection of waterway-related pub signs from around the country. This section is still under construction - more images will be added soon. Thursday 29 December 2005: A selection of waterway-related pub signs from around the country. This section is still under construction - more images will be added soon.

The Ship Inn, Aylesbury, now sadly closed and demolished. The Canal Tavern, Kidsgrove. The Bridge Inn, Brewood. The Boat Inn, Gnosall. The Navigation Inn, Gnosall. The Wharf Inn, Audlem. The Wharf Inn, Shebdon. The Shroppie Fly, Audlem. The Olde Barbridge Inn, Barbridge. The Boat Inn, Thrupp. The Watermans Arms, Oxford. The Nags Head, Abingdon. The Barge Inn, Honeystreet. Another sign at the Barge Inn, Honeystreet. The Lock Keeper, Keynsham. The Narrow Boat, Stowe Hill near Weedon. Bruernes Lock, Stoke Bruerne. (Actually a restaurant rather than a pub). The Navigation, Stoke Bruerne. The Boat Inn, Stoke Bruerne. The Navigation Arms, Cosgrove. Giffard Park, Milton Keynes. The Three Locks, Soulbury. The Grove Lock, Leighton Buzzard. The Grand Junction Arms, Bulbourne. The Horse & Barge, Harefield. The Old Barge, Hertford. The Fox and Hounds, Nr Basingstoke. An example of fairly dreadful artwork. The Bridge, Fenny Stratford. The Navigation, Bugsworth. The Wharf, Bugbrook. The Boat, Whittlesea. The Old Boat, Alrewas. The Navigation, Barrow on Soar. The Barton Turns, near Barton under Needwood. The Boat, Berkampstead. The Navigation, Kilby Bridge. The North Bridhe Tavern near Leicester. The Boat Inn, Loughborough. The Boat, Penkridge. Note inappropriate choice of vessel! The Fellows, Morton & CLayton, Nottingham. The Castle Barge, Newark. The Barge Inn, Keadby. The Canal Tavern, Thorne.

Published in Canalside Camera

]]> Thu Dec 29 2005 11. Canalside Furniture... http://canalsidecamera.fpic.co.uk/c751421.html ...for want of a better term. Photographs of bollards, boundary markers, mileposts, signs and that sort of thing. More images will be added soon. Saturday 5 November 2005: ...for want of a better term. Photographs of bollards, boundary markers, mileposts, signs and that sort of thing. More images will be added soon.

BCN boundary post at the National Waterways Museum. Milepost, presumably from the Worcester & Birmingham Canal. National Waterways Museum. The remains of a Macclesfield Canal milepost at Bosley locks. 22nd March 2005. Grand Junction milepost at Stoke Bruerne. 21st September 1996. Shropshire Union milepost. Trent & Mersey milepost. Gloucester & Sharpness Canal milepost at Purton. 1996. Distance marker at Aynho Weir Lock on the South Oxford Canal. 3rd September 1996. Bridge restriction sign on a road overbridge at Marsworth. 19th November 2005. Caldon Canal milepost at the Canal Museum, Stoke Bruerne. Grand Junction milepost at Cosgrove. 29th April 2006. Modern walking distance sign in the style of a traditional milepost. Cambrian Wharf, Birmingham. 14th July 2006. Boundary posts on the Regents Canal. 28th April 2007. BCN cast iron boundary post. A well-worn cast iron bollard at Grove Lock, Grand Union Canal. 16th November 2005. Cast iron bollard at Marsworth, Grand Union Canal. 19th November 2005. 1970s concrete bollard at Marsworth, Grand Union Canal. 19th November 2005. Concrete bollard at Cosgrove. 29th April 2006. Mooring ring with 1912 date, Cosgrove. 29th April 2006. Timber bollard, Farmers Bridge, Birmingham. 14th July 2006. Cast iron bollard with rope marks, Ashted bottom lock, 21st July 2006. An interesting bollard at the top of the Smethwick locks. 25th July 2006. Marine type bollard on the Regents Canal. 28th April 2007. A Macclesfield Canal milepost near Scholar Green. Replica milepost on the Chesterfield Canal. 31st July 2006. Chesterfield Canal milepost. 5th August 2006. Canalside art at Thrupp, Oxford Canal. 1st February 2008. Outlet sluice on the Oxford Canal at Thrupp. The concrete is dated 1932. 1st February 2008. Restored Grand Junction milepost at the entrance to the Wendover Arm. 22nd June 2008. A hefty bollard for barges and coasters at Monk Meadow Quay, Gloucester. 20th July 2008. A sturdy Gloucester & Sharpness cast iron bollard. 20th July 2008. Kennet & Avon Canal notice. 31st July 2008. A feature seen on a few canals including the Grand Union and the Caldon are ramped escapes for towing horses that have fallen into the cut. This example is at Bulbourne on the Grand Union. 28th August 2008. A wharf crane at Marsworth, Grand Union Canal. 20th September 2008. Regents Canal boundary post preserved at the London Canal Museum. 24th February 2009.

Published in Canalside Camera

]]> Sat Nov 5 2005 01 (a). Narrowboats - Working Boats http://canalsidecamera.fpic.co.uk/c742162.html Pictures of narrowboats from the various canal carrying fleets plus one or two other commercial narrowboats. More to follow soon. Many thanks to Malcolm "Blossom" Edge for providing additional information for the captions. Thursday 27 October 2005: Pictures of narrowboats from the various canal carrying fleets plus one or two other commercial narrowboats. More to follow soon. Many thanks to Malcolm "Blossom" Edge for providing additional information for the captions.

Converted BW river class butty The former GUCCC narrowboat Motor narrowboat British Waterways Admiral class narrowboat Former FMC motor FMC motor Former FMC motor FMC motor FMC steamer GUCCC motor A bow view of A pair of butties on the Grand Union Canal. 8th September 2003. I believe this may be the Small Ricky butty Former GUCCC all-timber motor boat The motor boat Former British Waterways and GUCCC motor boat Grand Union Canal Carrying Co star class motor boat 30 British Waterways working boat British Waterways butty British Waterways narrowboat Thos. Clayton motor boat British Waterways River Class butty British Waterways maitenance vessel 80406 on the Shropshire Union Canal in August 1997. This appears to be an old working butty stern turned and attached to a modern cabin and stern. A stern view of the GUCCC motor Manchester, Sheffield & Lincolnshire Railway horse boat Working boats at Worcester Bar, 1982. Former working boat Motor boat Grand Union Canal Carrying Co town class motor boat no. 142 Bow view of the same vessel. The vessel is a Large Woolwich, built in 1936 by Harland & Wolff. 14th November 2005. Large Woolwich motor Grand Union Canal Carrying Co town class motor boat Butty GUCCC butty The former Samuel Barlow butty Cabin shot of FMC motor Fellows Morton & Clayton steam motor boat Butty Severn & Canal Carrying Co motor boat A modern working boat belonging to Wood Hall & Heward Engineering. 28th April 2007. I believe this boat is named Another view of what I think is

Published in Canalside Camera

]]> Thu Oct 27 2005 01 (b). Narrowboats - British Waterways Maintenance http://canalsidecamera.fpic.co.uk/c742045.html Purpose-built narrowboats and other narrow beam vessels from the British Waterways maintenance fleet. Thursday 27 October 2005: Purpose-built narrowboats and other narrow beam vessels from the British Waterways maintenance fleet.

An example of a modern purpose-built BW maintanance narrowboat. This is 53392 Tunnel rescue double-ended vessel A vessel spraying hydrogen peroxide on the Walsall Canal to clean up a chemical spillage. 28th March 2002. Staff amenity vessel 96955 A standard BW maintenance motor boat near Dundas Aqueduct on the Kennet & Avon Canal. 11th August 2003. 82070 83887 seen at Thrupp on the Oxford Canal. 81702 81839, an unpowered British Waterways vessel used for moving dredgings, spoil etc. Banbury 23rd April 2005. A tug and three lighters engaged in dredging operations on the Grand Union Canal near Grafton Regis. 14th April 2004. BW maintenance motor boat 89307 on the Macclesfield Canal near Fools Nook. 22nd March 2005. BW maintenance motor boat Unpowered work flat at Aylesbury. 14th November 2005. Motor boat Dredger 82166 82152 moored by Grove Lock, Grand Union Canal. 16th November 2005. 81338 Weed cutting vessel on the Chesterfield Canal. 4th August 2006. Unpowered work flat A powered maintenance vessel, Thrupp, Oxford Canal. 1st February 2008. An unidentified maintenance boat at Thrupp on the Oxford Canal. 1st February 2008. Two work flats laid up at Bulbourne. 22nd June 2008. Work flats Motor boat 82068 One of the new generation of modular maintenance craft, Unpowered hopper 89020 at Tipton. 11th October 2008.

Published in Canalside Camera

]]> Thu Oct 27 2005 10. Aqueducts http://canalsidecamera.fpic.co.uk/c742044.html Some of the most striking canal stuctures are the aqueducts that carry the canal system over roads, railways, valleys etc. Thursday 27 October 2005: Some of the most striking canal stuctures are the aqueducts that carry the canal system over roads, railways, valleys etc.

A small aqueduct carrying the Aylesbury Arm over the Bear Brook. 20th February 2006. Cast iron aqueduct carrying the Worcester & Birmingham Canal over a road in central Birmingham. 31st March 2002. The other side of the same aqueduct. 31st March 2002. Marple aqueduct with the railway viaduct behind. 17th August 2002. The Marple aqueduct on the Peak Forest Canal, seen from the adjacent railway viaduct. 28th November 2003. Aqueduct taking the Grand Union Canal over a minor road near Weedon. 13th April 2004. The Lune Aqueduct on the Lancaster Canal. 21st June 2005. (Picture courtesy of Ralph Rawlinson). Wooton Wawen Aqueduct on the Stratford Canal. 26th June 2005. (Picture courtesy of David Stowell). The Lune Aqueduct from canal level. 24th September 2005. (Picture courtesy of Ralph Rawlinson). A classic Frith postcard showing the Avoncliffe aqueduct on the Kennet & Avon Canal. A view of the Barton Swing Aqueduct from the Bridgewater Canal level. The Barton Swing Aqueduct seen from the Manchester Ship Canal level. 1978 A boat on the Barton Swing Aqueduct. 1978. Chirk aqueduct and, running parallel, the railway viaduct. Passageway under the Grand Union embankment at Cosgrove. 29th April 2006. Inside the passegeway at Cosgrove. 29th April 2006. Edstone Aqueduct on the Stratford Canal. Looking along Edstone Aqueduct showing the low level tow path. Edstone Aqueduct seen from the railway line that runs beneath it. 1987. The Engine Arm Aqueduct which carries a branch from the old BCN main line over the new BCN main line. 25th July 2006. Ironwork detail on the engine Arm Aqueduct. 25th July 2006. The Engine Arm Aqueduct from above. 25th July 2006. Hazelhurst Aqueduct which takes one branch of the Caldon Canal over the other branch. The Pontcysyllte aqueduct, Llangollen Canal. The Pontcysyllte aqueduct seen from canal level. Pool Lock Aqueduct where the Macclesfield Canal crosses the Trent & Mersey. 25th July 1998. The Steward Aqueduct in Birmingham, now dwarfed by the motorway bridge behind it. Trent Aqueduct, Staffs & Worcs Canal. Wolverton Aqueduct which takes the Grand Union over the River Great Ouse. 29th April 2006. Wolverton Aqueduct from canal level. 29th April 2006. Building and repair dates on Wolverton Aqueduct. 29th April 2006. Cattle creep under the Grand Union immediately south of Wolverton Aqueduct. 29th April 2006. View inside the same cattle creep. 29th April 2006. Cattle creep on the north side of Wolverton Aqueduct. 29th April 2006. Looking out from within the northern cattle creep at Wolverton. 29th April 2006. Aqueduct carrying the Cromford Canal over the Midland Railway at Leawood. 19th March 2006. Aqueduct beneath the Worcester & Birmingham Canal near Alvechurch. 14th April 2006. (Picture courtesy of David Stowell). Hopsford Aqueduct on the North Oxford Canal. (Picture courtesy of David Stowell). The Lune Aqueduct from the north end. 14th August 2006. (Picture courtesy of Ralph Rawlinson). Caton Road aqueduct on the Lancaster Canal. 14th August 2006. (Photo courtesy of Ralph Rawlinson). Chirk aqueduct seen from the southern end. 1st April 2007. Towpath view on the Pontcysyllte aqueduct. 13th September 2007. Aqueduct carrying the BCN New Main Line over a street in Tipton. The aqueduct that carries the Grand Union Canal over the former GWR London - Birmingham line at Leamington Spa.

Published in Canalside Camera

]]> Thu Oct 27 2005 08. Bridges http://canalsidecamera.fpic.co.uk/c742043.html The British inland waterway network contains a delightful variety of interesting and picturesque bridges. This section aims to illustrate a selection. Thursday 27 October 2005: The British inland waterway network contains a delightful variety of interesting and picturesque bridges. This section aims to illustrate a selection.

Bridge carrying the towpath from one side of the canal to the other. Kidsgrove, Trent & Mersey Canal. 24th March 2002 A typical BCN cast iron footbridge at Wolverhampton. 26th March 2002. Saddleworth Viaduct over the Huddersfield Narrow Canal. July 2002. Bridge at the entrance to Horbury Basin. 29th July 2002. Lock footbridge on the Bosley flight, Macclesfield Canal. The canal at Oldbury beneath the M5 motorway. 15th September 2003. Brick road overbridge by Broughton Lock. 19th March 2004. Bridge over the Ashby Canal. 9th April 2004. The Grove Bridge near Watford (No. 164) on the Grand Union Canal. 20th April 2004. Cast iron footbridge at Farmers Bridge Junction in the heart of Birmingham. 30th January 2005. Bridge 91 on the Macclesfield Canal. In the distance is Hall Green lock. 6th March 2005. Congleton Bridge on the Macclesfield Canal. 21st March 2005. Swing bridge at Hagg Fold on the Peak Forest Canal. A typical Oxford Canal lift bridge at Thrupp. 20th September 1996. Stone overbridge at Pigeon Lock on the Southern Oxford Canal. 24th September 1996 Typical Trent & Mersey Canal lock footbridge. 22nd June 1997. A cast iron rubbing plate. Shropshire Union Canal. 3rd August 1997. Stone bridge number on a Trent & Mersey overbridge. 22nd June 1997. An Oxford Canal bridge plate. Footbridge with slot for tow ropes at Limekiln Lock, Stone. Bridge and lock at Colwich, Staffs. Hasty Brow Bridge on the Lancaster Canal. 22nd September 2005. (Picture courtesy of Ralph Rawlinson). Ridge Lane Bridge on the Lancaster Canal. 24th September 2005. (Picture courtesy of Ralph Rawlinson). Bridge at Aldersley Junction with seperate arch for the towpath. Bridge over the Ashted flight of locks. 21st July 2006. Modern footbridge over the Aylesbury Arm. 14th November 2005. Park Street Bridge over the Grand Union Aylesbury Arm. 14th November 2005. Bridge 190 at Aynho on the Oxford Canal. 5th April 2006. Brasshouse Lane Bridge over the BCN Old Main Line. Note how the original brick arch structure has been widened. 25th July 2006. Brick arch bridge at Farmer's Bridge Junction. It once gave access to a brewery wharf. 14th July 2006. A lift bridge on the Caldon Canal at Stockton Brook. June 1993. (Photo courtesy of David Stowell). Cast iron towpath bridge at Camden Lock. 28th April 2007. Ornamental bridge over the Grand Union at Cosgrove. 29th April 2006. Towpath bridge over the BCN Engine Arm. 25th July 2006. A typical Birmingham overbridge. The red doors are to allow the fire brigade to pump water from the canal. 14th July 2006. Galton Bridge over the BCN main line at Smethwick. 24th July 2006. Concrete bridge at Hatton on the Grand Union. 14th July 2006. Bridge over the Grand Union Canal at Marsworth. Sadly many bridges are spoilt by pipe and cable crossings. 19th November 2005. The bridge adjacent to lock 39 of the Marsworth flight has an unusually wide second arch for the towpath. 19th November 2005.. Metal footbridge over the BCN at Moorcroft Junction. 13th July 2006. The deck of the same bridge which is shared with a pipe. 13th July 2006. Bridge on the Oxford Canal at Oxford. The LNWR railway swingbridge over Sheepwash Channel, Oxford, which connects the Oxford Canal with the Thames. 1985. Lift bridge on the Peak Forest Canal. Cast iron Ionic pillars supporting Iron bridge over the Regents Canal. 28th April 2007. Iron bridge over the Regents Canal. 28th April 2007. Sandfield Bridge, one of the many swing bridges on the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal. 17th June 2007. Sandfield Bridge in the open position. 17th June 2007.

Published in Canalside Camera

]]> Thu Oct 27 2005 16. Locks http://canalsidecamera.fpic.co.uk/c742041.html Pictures of the various types of canal and river lock on the waterways. Also this section features some detail pictures of paddle gear and other lock equipment. Thursday 27 October 2005: Pictures of the various types of canal and river lock on the waterways. Also this section features some detail pictures of paddle gear and other lock equipment.

The guillotine stop lock at Kins Norton on the Stratford Canal. Lock 15 on the Aylesbury Arm seen from the top end. 20th February 2006. Lock 15 on the Aylesbury Arm seen from the bottom end. 20th February 2006. Wolverhampton Top Lock on the BCN. 26th March 2002. Lock and cottage on the Rushall Canal in the West Midlands. 28th March 2002. Anti-vandal lock on a BCN paddle, Wolverhampton. The top gate and cill of a lock on the Huddersfield Narrow Canal. 5th July 2002. Ground paddles, both placed on the same side of the lock. Huddersfield Narrow Canal, 7th July 2002 Top end of a Huddersfield Narrow Canal lock. 7th July 2002. Lock at Salterhebble, on the Calder & Hebble canal. The bottom gate is of the guillotine type. 12th July 2002. Enclosed gate paddle mechanism with unusual v wedge brake, Rochdale Canal. New Lock, Rochdale Canal. Hydraulic gate paddle gear with anti-vandal mechanism on the Chesterfield Canal. Lock 9 at Marple on the Peak Forest Canal. Brand new gate paddles at the former BW Northwich yard. Brand new ground paddles at the former BW Northwich yard. Ground paddle at Ellesmere Port, Shropshire Union Canal. Cill indicator on one of the Bosley locks, Macclesfield Canal Ground paddle on the Bosley flight, Macclesfield Canal. One of the few surviving turf sided locks on the Kennet & Avon Navigation. 13th July 2003. Detail of a Kennet & Avon ground paddle. 13th July 2003. One of the few surviving turf sided locks on the Kennet & Avon Navigation. 13th July 2003. Broughton Lock from the top end. 19th March 2004. The lower gates of Broughton Lock on the Aylesbury Arm of the Grand Union Canal. 19th March 2004. Limehouse, 28th May 2004. Lock 2 on the Bosley flight, Macclesfield Canal. Iron stud in the side of Bosley Lock 2. The unusual diamond shaped Aynho Weir Lock, South Oxford Canal. 3rd September 1996. Pigeon Lock on the South Oxford Canal. 24th September 1996. Cast iron paddle gear on the Caldon Canal. 22nd June 1997. Ground paddle at Pigeon Lock. 24th September 1996 Grand Union canal lock gates at Stoke Bruerne. 21st September 1996. Hydraulic gate paddle gear at Aynho Weir Lock. 3rd September 1996. Gate paddles at Pigeon Lock. 24th September 1996 Timber gate paddle gear on the Trent & Mersey Canal. 2nd August 1997. The bottom gates and bridge at Limekiln Lock, near Stone on the Trent & Mersey canal. 7th June 2005. Top gate and ground paddle at Limekiln Lock. 7th June 2005. North Oxford Canal ground paddle at Hillmorton. Paddle for transferring water between parallel locks, Hillmorton. Ground paddles at Hillmorton, Oxford Canal. Ground paddles at Hillmorton, Oxford Canal. Weston Favell lock on the River Nene. 7th July 2005. Lock at Ashline near Whittlesea on the Middle Level Navigations. 12th July 2005. Lock at Salters Lode where the Middle Level Navigations meet the River Ouse. 14th July 2005. Lilford lock on the River Nene. 11th August 2005. Ashted bottom lock (No. 6). 21st July 2006. Bedford Street staircase locks on the Caldon Canal. Beeston Iron Lock on the Shropshire Union Canal. May 1984. (Picture courtesy of David Stowell). Branston Lock on the Trent & Mersey Canal in May 1980. At this time the lock retained the original Trent & Mersey paddle gear. The distinctive locks at Bratch on the Staffs & Worcs Canal. 1975.

Published in Canalside Camera

]]> Thu Oct 27 2005 17 (b). Classic Canal Postcards - Salmon Cameracolour http://canalsidecamera.fpic.co.uk/c724069.html J Salmon Ltd are based in Sevenoaks, Kent and are the UK's oldest established postcard publisher. The company is family owned and currently run by the 5th generation of the Salmon family. Over the years Salmon produced numerous canal postcards and these are now very collectable. Here is a selection of the earlier, smaller format cards. Wednesday 12 October 2005: J Salmon Ltd are based in Sevenoaks, Kent and are the UK's oldest established postcard publisher. The company is family owned and currently run by the 5th generation of the Salmon family. Over the years Salmon produced numerous canal postcards and these are now very collectable. Here is a selection of the earlier, smaller format cards.

ADDERLEY LOCKS, GRAND UNION CANAL. 1-22-05-17 ADMIRAL NELSON INN, BRAUNSTON TOP LOCK, GRAND UNION CANAL. 1-27-03-15G AUDLEM LOCKS, SHROPSHIRE UNION CANAL. 1-22-05-07 AUTHERLEY JUNCTION, SHROPSHIRE UNION CANAL. 1-22-05-20 THE OXFORD CANAL AT AYNHO. 1-34-05-12 BARBRIDGE JUNCTION, SHROPSHIRE UNION CANAL. 1-22-05-15 BINGLEY FIVE RISE, LEEDS AND LIVERPOOL CANAL. 1-09-14-01 BRATCH LOCKS, STAFFS AND WORCS CANAL. 1-23-02-01 PAIR OF NARROWBOATS AT BRAUNSTON, GRAND UNION CANAL. 1-27-03-03 A TRADITIONALLY PAINTED NARROW BOAT CABIN. 6-08-57-63 CHIRK AQUEDUCT, LLANGOLLEN CANAL. 1-22-05-18 ROVING BRIDGE, NEAR CONGLETON, MACCLESFIELD CANAL. 1-18-02-03 CROSS KEYS INN, PENKRIDGE, STAFFS AND WORCS CANAL. 1-23-02-06 EDSTONE AQUEDUCT, STRATFORD-ON-AVON CANAL. 1-26-14-03 FLADBURY LOCK AND MILL, RIVER AVON. 1-26-07-11 THE LOCK, FRADLEY JUNCTION, TRENT & MERSEY CANAL. 1-23-01-06 GAILEY WHARF, STAFFORDSHIRE AND WORCESTERSHIRE CANAL. 1-23-02-04 THE GRAND UNION CANAL. 1-37-01-01 / 3812c GREAT HAYWOOD JUNCTION, TRENT AND MERSEY CANAL. 1-23-01-04 GRINDLEY BROOK LOCKS, LLANGOLLEN CANAL. 1-22-05-08 HARECASTLE TUNNEL, TRENT AND MERSEY CANAL. 1-23-01-02 HATTON FLIGHT, GRAND UNION CANAL, 1-27-03-11 NARROW BOATS ON THE OXFORD CANAL AT HAWKESBURY JUNCTION, NEAR COVENTRY. 1-34-05-04 THE STRATFORD CANAL AT KINGSWOOD. 1-26-14-07H A PAIR OF NARROW BOATS ON THE GRAND UNION CANAL, NEAR KINGS LANGLEY. 1-27-03-07 KINGS NORTON STOP LOCK, STRATFORD-ON-AVON CANAL. 1-26-14-01 KNOWLE LOCKS, GRAND UNION CANAL. 1-26-12-03 THE WELSH CANAL AT LLANGOLLEN. 1-22-05-05 PAIR OF NARROW BOATS LEAVING MARSWORTH TOP LOCK, GRAND UNION CANAL. 6-08-61-49 NAPTON LOCKS, OXFORD CANAL. 1-34-05-06 NORTHGATE LOCKS, CHESTER, SHROPSHIRE UNION CANAL. 1-22-05-01 THE OXFORD CANAL NEAR BANBURY. 1-34-05-05 THE OXFORD CANAL (Multiview). 1-34-05-01 A PAIR OF NARROWBOATS ON THE OXFORD CANAL. 1-34-05-03 NARROW BOATS ON THE OXFORD CANAL NORTH OF BANBURY. 1-34-05-02 PONTCYSYLLTE AQUEDUCT FROM THE DEE, LLANGOLLEN. 1-22-05-03 RIVER SEVERN AND CANAL ENTRANCE, STOURPORT. 1-25-09-05 SHARDLOW BASIN, TRENT AND MERSEY CANAL. 1-23-01-07 NARROW BOAT ENTERING SHIPTON WEIR LOCK, OXFORD CANAL. 6-08-59-06 THE SHROPPIE FLY, AUDLEM, SHROPSHIRE UNION CANAL. 1-22-05-21 THREE LOCKS, SOULBURY, GRAND UNION CANAL. 1-27-03-16 BLUE LIAS INN, STOCKTON, GRAND UNION CANAL. 1-27-03-14G PAIR OF NARROWBOATS DESCENDING THE STOCKTON FLIGHT ON THE GRAND UNION CANAL NEAR LONG ITCHINGTON. 1-27-03-06 TOP LOCK, STOKE BRUERNE, GRAND UNION CANAL. 1-27-02-02 WATERWAYS MUSEUM, STOKE BRUERNE, GRAND UNION CANAL. 1-27-02-03 NARROW BOAT LOCKS, STOURPORT. 1-25-09-06G CANAL LOCK AND BANCROFT GARDENS, STRATFORD-UPON-AVON. 1-26-14-02 SUNSET ON THE CUT. 1-26-10-01 TARDEBIGGE TOP LOCK, WORCESTER AND BIRMINGHAM CANAL. 1-25-12-03 THE STOURBRIDGE CANAL AT BUCKPOOL. 1-23-02-02

Published in Canalside Camera

]]> Wed Oct 12 2005 15. Gloucester Docks http://canalsidecamera.fpic.co.uk/c552456.html A look at the historic inland port of Gloucester, served by the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal. For further information on Gloucester Docks I recommend Hugh Conway-Jones's superb site "Gloucester Docks and the Sharpness Canal" - see links. Tuesday 24 May 2005: A look at the historic inland port of Gloucester, served by the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal. For further information on Gloucester Docks I recommend Hugh Conway-Jones's superb site "Gloucester Docks and the Sharpness Canal" - see links.

Buildings on Merchants Road, May 2008. (Photo courtesy of Edgeworths 2000 from his Flickr photostream). Dereliction on Merchants Road. May 2008. (Photo courtesy of Edgeworths 2000 from his Flickr photostream). Looking along the Barge Arm towards the Main Basin. 4th April 2004. View from Llanthony Warehouse looking towards the buildings on Llanthony Road, Merchants Road and High Orchard Street. 4th April 2004. The Albert Warehouse of 1851. It was converted into a flour mill in 1869, hence its somewhat scarred appearance. It was later the home of the Robert Opie Collection of advertising and packaging. It was then converted into an apartment block, opening as such in 2003. 16th April 1991. The Alexandra Warehouse, built in 1870 for corn merchants JE & FH Fox. The parapets replaced conventional eaves after the warehouse was rebuilt following fire in 1875. On the right is the Harbour House. 16th April 1991. The Harbour House, next to the Alexandra Warehouse. 25th March 2006. Biddle's Warehouse of 1830 (left) and Shipton's warehouse of 1833 (right). J. Biddle of Stroud was the largest miller in the district in the 1830s. Both warehouses are now apartment blocks. 1989. The Britannia Warehouse of 1989. The original building of 1861 was destroyed by fire in the late 1980s and this is a modern, steel framed replica. 16th April 1991. The City Flour Mills of 1850. It remained operational right up until the late 1990s. 16th April 1991. The City Flour Mills after conversion to apartments. 25th March 2006. Albion Cottages, which served for a number of years as the Dock Offices. 16th April 1991. Foster Bros Oil & Cake Mill of 1862. 21st March 1991. The overhanging section of Foster Bros Mill. 12th September 1996. Foster Bros Oil & Cake Mill from the opposite side. 25th March 2006. The canal frontage of Foster Bros Oil & Cake Mill in glorious dereliction, August 2007. (Photo courtesy of Edgeworths 2000 from his Flickr photostream). Foster Bros Oil & Cake Mill seen from the non-canal side. (Photo courtesy of Edgeworths 2000 from his Flickr photostream). The Great Western Warehouse, built for William Partridge in 1863. It was largely destroyed by fire in 1945 but the surviving ground floor was re-roofed. 25th March 2006. Original windows on the Great Western Warehouse. 1991. The British Waterways No 5 Warehouse (centre), Fox's Malthouse (behind) and the Great Western Warehouse (left). 16th April 1991. The unglamourous No. 4 Warehouse. 25th March 2006. Fox's Malthouse of 1888, situated behind the No 4 Warehouse. 25th March 2006. From left to right: the Herbert, Kimberley and Phillpots Warehouses of 1846. The trio were built in anticipation of increased trade following the repeal of the Corn Laws. They have now been joined together to form a single building and serve as council offices as well as shops and a pub. 17th April 1991. 1970s scene showing the North, Herbert, Kimberley and Phillpots warehouses prior to redevelopment. Llanthony Warehouse of 1873 which was built for Wait James & Co. It now houses the National Waterways Museum. 16th April 1991. The Lock Warehouse of 1834, so called because it is situated adjacent to the 210 foot lock which connects the main basin with the Severn. The warehouse now houses Gloucester Antiques Centre. It is also known as the Jennings & Guildings Warehouse. 16th April 1991. The North Warehouse of 1826. This is the oldest of the warehouses, dating from the opening of the canal. By the 1980s the building was derelict and in a dangerous condition. Happily it was restored and now forms the head office of Gloucester City Council. 16th April 1991. The Pillar & Lucy Warehouse of 1838, situated on Bakers Quay. It was originally financed by the timber yards on Merchants Road. 19th May 1991. The Pillar & Lucy Warehouse from the opposite side. It has served variously as a pub and restaurant in recent years. 25th March 2006. The old pump house which once housed a beam engine to pump water up from the Severn. 16th April 1991. The Shipton Warehouse of 1833. The Sturges Warehouse of 1840. For many years it served as a bagging plant for the adjacent Albert Mill. It is also known as Renolds Double Warehouse. On the left is the Mariner's Chapel which was built in 1849 for the benefit of seamen. 16th April 1991. The Victoria Warehouse of 1849, seen after it had just been converted into offices. It was originally built for William Partridge. 24th December 1991. Vinings Warehouse of 1840. It was built for corn merchants Charles Vining & Sons. 16th April 1991. Vinings & Sturges Warehouse from the dock side. 1993. Downings Malthouse of 1901 on Baker's Quay. It is built over what was once High Orchard Dock. Office entrance to Downing's Malthouse on Merchants Road. 25th March 2006. Vinings, Sturges, Biddle & Llanthony warehouses seen from the west quay. 4th September 1996. Warehouses along the canal at Llanthony with Foster's Oil & Cake Mill nearest to the camera. February 1995. The lock cottage with the Lock and North Warehouses behind. 1990. Looking towards the main basin from Llanthony Quay. c1994. The main basin seen from Llanthony Bridge. February 1995. Sailing vessels in the channel that links the Main Basin with the Victoria Dock. 4th September 1996. The Large Graving Dock. 25th March 2006. The Small Graving Dock. 25th March 2006. View across Monk Meadow Dock in 1992, exactly 100 years after it was constructed. Beneath the awning of the transit shed at Monk Meadow Dock. The building was erected after the First World War and was second hand, having previously served as an aircraft hangar. It was demolished in 2007/8.1992. Railway tracks beneath the transit shed awning at Monk Meadow Dock. 1992. The remains of a wagon turntable by the main basin before redevelopment. 16th April 1991. The swing bridge over the channel leading to the Victoria Dock. 25th March 2006.

Published in Canalside Camera

]]> Tue May 24 2005 09. Tunnels http://canalsidecamera.fpic.co.uk/c552452.html A look at the many and varied canal tunnels in Britain. This section covers those tunnels that are still navigable. Abandoned tunnels (including Ashperton, Aylestone Hill, Butterley, Greywell, Harecastle 1, Lappal, Newbold, Norwood, Oxenhall & Southnet) are covered in the appropriate "Disused Waterways" sections below. Tuesday 24 May 2005: A look at the many and varied canal tunnels in Britain. This section covers those tunnels that are still navigable. Abandoned tunnels (including Ashperton, Aylestone Hill, Butterley, Greywell, Harecastle 1, Lappal, Newbold, Norwood, Oxenhall & Southnet) are covered in the appropriate "Disused Waterways" sections below.

The western portal of Lisson Grove Tunnel. 12th March 2006. Maida Hill Tunnel on the Regents Canal. Eastern Portal. (248 metres) 12th March 2006. The western portal of Maida Hill Tunnel, with a restaurant perched above. 12th March 2006. A close up of the tunnel mouth at Wast Hill from a 1970s slide. The Kidsgrove end of the Harecastle Tunnels. 24th March 2002. The southern approach to Gosty Hill tunnel. 29th March 2002. Scout Tunnel on the Huddersfield Narrow Canal. 6th July 2002. Scout Tunnel interior. 6th July 2002. Standedge Tunnel on the Huddersfield Narrow Canal is the longest canal tunnel in the UK. This is the Diggle portal. (5,210 metres). 9th July 2002. Just inside the Diggle portal of Standedge Tunnel the girders that carry railway tracks over the tunnel can be seen. 9th July 2002. Looking towards the Marsden portal of Standedge Tunnel from within. 9th July 2002. The Marsden portal of Standedge Tunnel. 9th July 2002. Bates Tunnel on the Huddersfield Narrow Canal. A modern tunnel taking the restored canal under an obstruction. (83 metres) 11th July 2002. Netherton Tunnel on the BCN. This is the Windmill End (southern) portal. (2,768 metres) 13th September 2003. Inside the temporary Stoke Tunnel. 5th April 2004. Entrance to a temporary tunnel constructed in Stoke on Trent as part of a roadworks scheme. 5th April 2004. The covered way taking the canal under the forecourt of Wolverhampton High Level station. 21st May 2005. The site of Armitage Tunnel on the Trent & Mersey, opened out in the 1970s. (153 metres). Another view of the former Armitage Tunnel. Ashted Tunnel, Birmingham. South portal. (103 metres). 21st July 2006. Interior of Ashted Tunnel. 21st July 2006. Looking out of the north portal of Ashted Tunnel with Ashted No.1 lock immedtately beyond. 21st July 2006. Ashted Tunnel. North portal. 21st July 2006. Blisworth Tunnel, Grand Union Canal. This is the Stoke Bruerne portal. (2794 metres). 21st September 1996. One of the vents above Blisworth Tunnel. 21st September 1996. Broad Street Tunnel, Birmingham. A bridge rather than a tunnel really - it used to be considerably longer before the church above was demolished. (69 metres) 6th August 1998. The opposite end of Broad Street Tunnel in the 1970s. A similar view of Broad Street in the early 1990s with the area under redevelopment. The shortened Broad Street Tunnel. It originally stretched as far as the red boat. 6th August 1997. Bruce Tunnel on the Kennet & Avon Canal. (459 metres). May 1992. (Picture courtesy of David Stowell). The short Cookley Tunnel on the Staffs and Worcs Canal. (59 metres). Coseley Tunnel on the BCN. (329 metres). 5th August 1997. Cowley Tunnel on the Shropshire Union Canal. (74 metres). 3rd August 1997. Curzon Street Tunnel, Birmingham. This is really a long railway bridge but it seems to have become known as a tunnel. Northern portal. 21st July 2006. Inside Curzon Street Tunnel. 21st July 2006. Tipton, or Lord Ward's Tunnel is part of the complex of tunnels that often get lumped together under the Dudley Tunnel title. However it is really a separate, older entity. This is the Tipton portal at the northern end. (179 metres) 6th August 1997. Dunhampstead Tunnel on the Worcester & Birmingham Canal. (210 metres) Edgbaston tunnel on the Worcester & Birmingham Canal. (96 metres). 6th August 1997. Fenny Compton tunnel on the Oxford Canal was actually two sepatare tunnels with a short, open section in between. Both tunnels were opened out over 100 years ago but this length of canal is still known as The eastern end of Froghall Tunnel on the Caldon Canal. (69 metres). September 1981. (Photo courtesy of David Stowell). The western portal of Galton tunnel on the BCN New Main Line. Constructed to allow a road to be built over the canal. (112 metres). 6th August 1997. Another view of Galton Tunnel which is slowly becoming surrounded by vegetation. 24th July 2006. Harecastle Tunnel, Trent & Mersey Canal. This is the Chatterley portal which features a fan house to provide fresh air to the tunnel. (2676 metres). 22nd June 1997. Leek Tunnel on the Caldon Canal. (118 metres). 21st June 1997. Inside Leek Tunnel showing the modern concrete-lined section. 21st June 1997. The eastern end of the little known Lisson Grove or Eyre's tunnel on the Regents Canal. The house above is known as the The northern portal of Netherton Tunnel. Inside Netherton Tunnel. Scout Tunnel on the Huddersfield Narrow Canal. (201 metres). 12th June 2001. (Picture courtesy of David Stowell). Shortwood Tunnel on the Worcester & Birmingham Canal. (561 metres). 7th August 1997.

Published in Canalside Camera

]]> Tue May 24 2005 14. Miscellaneous Waterway Scenes http://canalsidecamera.fpic.co.uk/c545347.html A selection of general canal pictures from across the system. More to follow soon. Wednesday 18 May 2005: A selection of general canal pictures from across the system. More to follow soon.

After Bates Tunnel the Huddersfield Narrow Canal passes through the chamber of the former lock 2E. 11th July 2002. The Lion Salt Works adjacent to the canal near Northwich. 8th September 2002. For details of the salt works copy and paste the following URL to your browser: http://www.lionsaltworkstrust.co.uk/ Side view of Anderton Lift. 8th September 2002. Anderton Lift, connecting the Trent & Mersey Canal with the River Weaver. 8th September 2002. A close up of the caissons within Anderton Lift. 8th September 2002. A BW motor boat on the BCN New Main Line, approaching Engine Arm aqueduct. 12th September 2003. The Lanaster Canal looking towards the RC Cathedral. 2nd March 2004. (Picture courtesy of Ralph Rawlinson). The Lancaster Canal at Lancaster. 2nd March 2004. (Picture courtesy of Ralph Rawlinson). Farmers Bridge Junction in the middle of Birmingham. 30th January 2005. Anderton Lift undergoing restoration in August 1996. Aylesbury Basin at the end of the Grand Union Aylesbury Arm. 14th November 2005. Aynho Wharf on the Oxford Canal. 5th April 2006. A typical BCN view in the 1970s. Bollington Mill on the Macclesfield Canal. Bratch locks on the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal. Broad Street Tunnel and the end of Gas Street Basin seen in the early 1980s. Bugsworth Basin. Cambrian Wharf, Birmingham. 14th July 2006. Castlefields Basin in Manchester 21st October 2005. The North Staffordshire Railway runs parallel to the Caldon Canal at Consal Forge. May 2000. Digbeth Basin in Birmingham. 21st July 2006. This is the end of the short arm of the Sheffield & South Yorkshire Navigation that runs towards Chappel Street in Doncaster. 7th January 2006. A view of the BCN Engine Arm. 25th July 2006. A boat on the Farmer's Bridge flight passing beneath the huge arch which carries Birmingham Snow Hill station over the canal. 24th July 2006. Farmer's Bridge Junction, with the National Indoor Arena dominating the scene. 14th July 2006. Fradley Junction, meeting place of the Coventry and Trent & Mersey Canals. Another view of Fradley. The former Cadbury's factory at Frampton on the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal. 17th June 2007. A former gauging island on the BCN New Main Line. 25th July 2006. The Oxford Canal at Lower Heyford. The yellow painted boats belong to the Oxfordshire Narrowboats hire fleet. 28th December 1996. Lower Heyford Wharf, South Oxford Canal. 9th August 1998. Reflections at Kinver, Staffs & Worcs Canal. The very end of the Caldon Canal at Leek. The Rudyard Feeder can be seen in the background. 1996. The first pound of the Aylesbury Arm, drained for maintenance. 19th November 2005. A boat making its way along the BCN Old Main Line near Smethwick. 25th July 2006. A winter view on the Red Bull flight of locks, Trent & Mersey Canal. December 2000. Residential moorings on the Regents Canal seen from above Lisson Grove Tunnel. 12th March 2006. Stop gate and paddle at Shipton on Cherwell. South Oxford Canal. 20th September 1996. The three locks at Soulbury, Grand Union Canal. 31st May 2006. Tixall Wide on the Staffs & Worcs Canal. 3rd September 1998. Warwick Bar, where the Grand Union meets the BCN. On the right is the Banana Warehouse. 21st July 2006. Worcester Bar, Gas Street Basin, Birmingham in the early 1970s. Two pleasure craft on the River Great Ouse. 2nd August 2005. The bridge carrying the Nene Valley Railway over the River Nene. 10th August 2005. Bugsworth Basin, 20th November 2005. Bugsworth Basin, 20th November 2005. Boats moored on the Macclesfield Canal. 8th December 2005. Reflections on the Macclesfield Canal. 8th December 2005. Sunset over the Macclesfield Canal. 8th December 2005. Sharpness docks, 6th April 2006.

Published in Canalside Camera

]]> Wed May 18 2005 07. The Purton Hulks http://canalsidecamera.fpic.co.uk/c526619.html For many years redundant commercial river craft have been beached along the banks of the Severn between Sharpness and Purton in order to protect the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal against erosion. The boats involved range from wooden schooners, trows and barges to wartime concrete lighters and, at the Sharpness end, some more modern steel vessels. In excess of 80 boats are known to have been beached here and the site represents the largest boat graveyard in mainland Britian. This unique site is constantly under threat from vandals and souvenir hunters. Name panels from the vessels made attractive ornaments and from the 1940s many of them started to disappear. In 1986 no less than eight vessels were destroyed and several others were damaged by a mindless arson attack. Up until the 1990s British Waterways were still burying vessels in spoil and rubble at the northern end of the site. Recently graffiti has appeared on one vessel and every year timber is removed for barbecues and hand made iron nails are stolen as ornaments. The Friends of Purton have been formed as an organisation to protect and raise awareness of the site. English Heritage are actively being lobbied to provide some measure of designation/protection for the site and a series of plaques and interpretation boards are being provided as funding/sponsorship allows. Please feel free to attend a guided tour of the site and find out about the Friends of Purton - details on the front page. Marine historian Paul Barnett has spent many years studying the site and has identified the vast majority of the vessels and researched their histories. I would like to thank Paul for his generosity in sharing the information that is presented here. Wednesday 4 May 2005: For many years redundant commercial river craft have been beached along the banks of the Severn between Sharpness and Purton in order to protect the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal against erosion. The boats involved range from wooden schooners, trows and barges to wartime concrete lighters and, at the Sharpness end, some more modern steel vessels. In excess of 80 boats are known to have been beached here and the site represents the largest boat graveyard in mainland Britian. This unique site is constantly under threat from vandals and souvenir hunters. Name panels from the vessels made attractive ornaments and from the 1940s many of them started to disappear. In 1986 no less than eight vessels were destroyed and several others were damaged by a mindless arson attack. Up until the 1990s British Waterways were still burying vessels in spoil and rubble at the northern end of the site. Recently graffiti has appeared on one vessel and every year timber is removed for barbecues and hand made iron nails are stolen as ornaments. The Friends of Purton have been formed as an organisation to protect and raise awareness of the site. English Heritage are actively being lobbied to provide some measure of designation/protection for the site and a series of plaques and interpretation boards are being provided as funding/sponsorship allows. Please feel free to attend a guided tour of the site and find out about the Friends of Purton - details on the front page. Marine historian Paul Barnett has spent many years studying the site and has identified the vast majority of the vessels and researched their histories. I would like to thank Paul for his generosity in sharing the information that is presented here.

Victims of the Severn Railway Bridge Disaster. At low tide the wrecks of the petroleum barges ARKENDALE H and WASTDALE H can be seen on the sand bank opposite the boat graveyard. Both barges were lost along with 5 out of 8 of the combined crews on 25th October 1960. 16th April 1991. HARRIETT, a wooden vessel of 1905, beached at the southern end of the foreshore at Purton. This vessel is often described as a trow but it is actually a Kennet barge. 16th April 1991. A close-up of the transom of HARRIETT. The words The skeletal remains of the KING on 16th April 1991. This vessel was a schooner and was originally named SALLY before being cut down for use as a barge. Lighter No. 9 beached next to the SEVERN CONVEYER at Sharpness. Lighter No. 23 beached at Sharpness. This vessel was built for Mousell Chadbourne & Sons and was later part of the British Waterways fleet. The is the westernmost of 18 steel vessels on the foreshore at Sharpness. The remains of the wooden barge SEVERN COLLIER. She was built at Stourport in 1937 and worked for Cadburys. 16th April 1991. The stern of SEVERN COLLIER seen in 1998. The remains of the cabin and the vessel's name can both be seen. Her unusual angle is because she lies partly on top of the wreck of the ROCKBY. JONADAB was later motorised and the remains of the propeller fitting can be seen on the beached stern today. 24th March 2005. (Photo courtesy of Paul Barnett). Monument to the Purton Hulks, erected by British Waterways in 2008. 20th July 2008. Bow view of the remains of the wooden lighter ABBEY, high on the bank in 1998. She was beached in 1956. The barge wrecks seen from the bow. The ARKENDALE H is on the left, the WASTDALE H on the right. 16th April 1991. More information on the Severn Railway Bridge and the 1960 disaster can be found in the section entitled The stern of wooden lighter No. 145630 DURSLEY, a former Bristol based towed barge belonging to Lighterman F. A. Ashmeads & Sons. 1998. Seven wartime concrete barges are beached at Purton, although one (FCB51) is completely buried. An eighth (FCB52) was removed for preservation at the National Waterways Museum in 1991. From left to right are the FCB76, FCB68 and FCB78. 1998. FCB75 is beached further south than the other six and is easier to inspect as it has not been partially buried by spoil. 16th April 1991. HARRIETT's transom seventeen years later, showing some deterioration. 20th July 2008. The upturned hull of the Bridgwater trow JONADAB out on the Ridge sandbank on 16th April 1991. This vessel was originally beached at Lydney but was washed away and eventually turned up here. Lighter No. 23 seen from on deck. Lighter No. 9 and SEVERN CONVEYER can be seen on the shore in the far distance. Some of the as yet unidentified steel vessels at Sharpness. Larkham's vessel BOXER and the barge ENDEAVOUR engaged in raising sunken river lighter PAINSWICK from the bed of the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal at Sharpness. 1999. The SEVERN CONVEYOR of 1930 beached at Sharpness. Built for the Bristol Oil Storage Co, it later passed to the Severn & Canal Carrying Co. Companionway on the SEVERN CONVEYOR. The name of the SEVERN CONVEYOR still just legible on the stern. This vessel can also be identified by the official number 149999 visible on main beam. Steel Various vessels in the process of being buried by spoil on 16th April 1991. Most prominent is the FCB77 with the stern of the FCB67 behind it. The stern of the trow J&AR is visible centre right and part on the BARRY is visible on the right. A line up of Purton hulks looking towards Sharpness from the deck of the FCB75. The wrecks of the SEVERN COLLIER, ROCKBY, KING and NEW DISPATCH can all be seen. 17th June 2007. The sunken Stroudwater barge SOCIETY in the tidal basin of the old entrance to Sharpness Docks. 6th April 2006. Looking towards the bow from the stern deck of the FCB75. 17th June 2007. Silted up companion way on the stern of the FCB75. 17th June 2007. Broken tiller on the FCB75. 17th June 2007. Bow deck and hold detail on the FCB75. 17th June 2007. Looking towards the stern from the bow deck of the FCB75. 17th June 2007. Tiller detail on the SEVERN COLLIER. 17th June 2007. The interior of the cabin on the SEVERN COLLIER. 17th June 2007. The KING seen from the bow with part of the stern of the HIGRE on the right. 17th June 2007. Roman numerals on the collapsed stem post of the KING. 17th June 2007. Interior view of the KING. 17th June 2007. Ladder in the hold of the KING. 17th June 2007. A similar view of the KING on 17th June 2007. She was beached in 1951. A stern view of the ABBEY. 17th June 2007. Detail of the steel rudder on the ABBEY. 17th June 2007. The scant remains of the schooner ADA which was once was once owned by Capt. James Herbert's second son Joseph. Much of the vessel was destroyed in the 1986 arson attack but some of the iron knees are still visible. Dedicated to the memory of Captain Herbert's descendant Adrian Gordon, who's ashes were scattered on the wreck in 2007. 17th June 2007. The bows of the VOLTAIC. The vessel was given this name after being cut down for use as a barge but originally is was the Welsh registered schooner SARAH MACDONALD which was used to carry slate from Portmadoc. 17th June 2007. A winch still in situ on the remains of the foredeck of the EDITH. 17th June 2007. Inside the engine room deckhouse of the EDITH. 17th June 2007. Stern post and rudder detail on the DURSLEY. 17th June 2007. The inboard side of the stern on HARRIETT. 17th June 2007. Detail of the stern post and rudder on HARRIETT. 17th June 2007. Port side view of the ABBEY. 17th June 2007. The bow of the Stroudwater barge ROCKBY with the stern of the SEVERN COLLIER visible behind. 17th June 2007.

Published in Canalside Camera

]]> Wed May 4 2005 02 (a). Barges - Commercial & Residential http://canalsidecamera.fpic.co.uk/c117163.html Photographs of commercial and residential barges on the inland waterways. Saturday 14 February 2004: Photographs of commercial and residential barges on the inland waterways.

The Allied Mills grain barge The wrecks of Harker barges Hargreaves tub barges near Ferrybridge in 2002. Allied Mills grain barges The former London river barge The Thompsons River Transport barge Stern view of Thompsons barges The National Waterway Museum's concrete barge FCB52 moored on Baker's Quay, Gloucester. Behind it are the A rather improbable barge which supports a Chinese restaurant, located by the entrance to the former Cumberland Arm of the Regents Canal. 28th April 2007. Residential barge An unidentified barge grounded on the bank of the River Nene. 2nd August 2005. An unpowered mud barge owned by the Cotswold Canals Trust at Stonehouse Wharf. 26th April 2006. The The former BW barge Another former Harker barge on the Trent. This is Barge Waddingtons barges laid up at Swinton. On the left is the barge Wheelhouse detail on Waddington barge The sterns of the Waddingtons barges Stern view of the Waddingtons barges at Swinton. 14th July 2006. Waddingtons barge Waddington's Waddington's The former Harker petroleum barge Former Harker barge The The A ferro concrete barge near Flushing, Cornwall. 12th August 2008. Residential barge at Marsworth, Grand Union Canal. 20th September 2008. A stern view of

Published in Canalside Camera

]]> Sat Feb 14 2004