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History features and articles

Articles and blogs relating to canal history and heritage.

Celebrating 220 years of Blisworth Tunnel
This year marks the 220th anniversary of Blisworth Tunnel, on the Grand Union Canal. To celebrate this impressive milestone, we dig a little deeper into the remarkable history of this famous old tunnel.
Fri Mar 21 2025
Forging ahead at Ellesmere Yard
As restoration work gets underway, we take a closer look at Ellesmere Yard in the heart of Shropshire. Read more
Fri Nov 22 2024
Charlie and the chocolate factory
Chocolate Charlie was once a local legend on the Shropshire Union Canal. Read more
Fri Aug 30 2024
Restoring living history
In May, we completed the last stage of restoration of the Diglis Crane, a labour of love going back 20 years.
Thu Jun 20 2024
What's in a name?
There are around 3,000 bridges along our waterways and each one has its own story. Read more about the origin of bridge names
Fri May 31 2024
The evolution of the narrowboat
Discover how the design of narrowboats has evolved from working vessels to modern leisure boats, shaping the history and heritage of the UK’s canal.
Wed May 01 2024
Preserving the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct
The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is a masterpiece of civil engineering, but what's involved in caring for the historic structure?
Wed Apr 17 2024
Look out for a Red Wheel
Like the familiar blue plaques on homes of famous figures, many canal sites now proudly display a Red Wheel from the National Transport Trust. Read more
Thu Mar 21 2024
History of Harecastle Tunnel
On the Trent & Mersey Canal, the Harecastle Tunnel was once the longest in the country.
Fri Mar 15 2024
Going digital at the National Waterways Museum
A cutting-edge 3D rendering technique, known as photogrammetry, is helping us bring history to life at the National Waterways Museum in Cheshire.
Fri Jan 26 2024

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Last Edited: 22 November 2024

photo of a location on the canals

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