 The
best places to see the story of the changes that the
canals wrought are in the waterways museums. The
best known were the Canal Museum at Stoke Bruerne in
Northamptonshire, the Boat Museum at Ellesmere Port in
Cheshire (right) and the National Waterways Museum at
Gloucester Docks, now under common management and
forming The National Waterways Museum.
There are are several smaller canal museums and many
kindred exhibitions and interpretation centres all over
the canal system. (See link to Inland Waterways Heritage
Network below.) Although they all give some sort of
historic overview, each naturally tends to reflect the
history of their own particular area which is part of
their interest and charm.
Many
canals and restoration projects have their own Societies,
many with Society websites, dedicated to their study,
promotion and/or restoration. For instance the preserved
Steam Tug Kerne and the restored
Shroppie Fly Boat Saturn now have their own sites.
We list Canal Societies. |
 The
Gloucester Waterways Museum tackles
the whole broad subject of waterways in a
comprehensive way, from water supply to wildlife, whilst
The National Waterways Museum at Ellesmere Port has a
huge collection of historic boats and barges, many of
which are displayed afloat and working. Sadly the
condition of many is deteriorating due to lack of
funds but a dry dock has been set up and trainees are
developing their skills in historic boat renovation. Some very
interesting canal exhibitions are part of larger
regional museums, The Black Country
Living Museum in Dudley, for example, has a
number of complete boats as well as a recreated working
canal boatyard to service them. What they all share is
the dedication and enthusiasm of their staff, a huge
range of experience and information on offer. Come and
see, you can be sure of a warm welcome everywhere in the
world of waterway museums. |
