Canal Workers Records

The History

Between 1750 and 1830 over 100 canals were built in all parts of the UK.

Many of the canal builders moved from canal to canal whilst the engineers names became famous.

At a time where roads were little more than tracks the canals offered an efficient and cheap way of moving goods around the UK or to sea ports where they could be exported or moved to further points in the UK.

Canals fell into disuse as quickly as they developed once the railway network was built offering a cheaper and quicker system of transport.

Canal workers included boatmen, flatmen,lock keepers, engineers, navvies and watermen as well as wharf attendants and even horsemen.

What records can you find?

The National Archives contains records of plans and administrative material from government and canal companies.

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The National Waterways Museum has museums in Lancashire,Gloucester and Northampton demonstrating canal life.

The museums also has many of the canal company records that contain a great deal of material of interest to family historians.

There is a research facility available for a small fee for people not able to visit the museum.

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Public health legislation required canalboats to be registered with local authorities from 1877.

These records are normally found at County Records Offices and local museums along with some company and official records of canals

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.Many canals are now used for leisure and have new operators.

Many have friends or user organisations.

Any of these groups may be able to help with information and the records that are available.