The charity making life better by water

Making life better by water

History features and articles

a duck swimming with two ducklings

Articles and blogs relating to canal history and heritage.

The dark side of the cut
A new book from journalist, social historian and canal volunteer, Susan C. Law, delves into the dark side of Victorian canals
Wed Nov 22 2023
A hive of activity at the heart of the community
From 1801 until the 1950s, the Whaley Bridge Transhipment Warehouse was a hive of activity in the Derbyshire Peak District.
Wed Oct 27 2021
The history of pumping stations
Find out more about the history of canal pumping stations
Mon Mar 08 2021
Edstone Aqueduct, hidden wonder of the waterways
The Edstone Aqueduct, now 200 years old, was nearly not built. Its survival is thanks to the many enthusiasts who saved it from dereliction, and our ongoing care and maintenance.
Mon Mar 08 2021
Hincaster Tunnel on the Lancaster Canal
Our heritage advisor, Bill Froggatt talks about the history of the Hincaster Tunnel on the Lancaster Canal.
Mon Mar 08 2021
Canals & Transatlantic Slavery
In spring 2020, we tasked our Honorary Research Fellow, Dr Jodie Matthews, to undertake a review of academic literature about canals and transatlantic slavery.
Tue Sep 22 2020
Research your waterways family history
Do you have an ancestor who lived or worked on the canals? Are you fascinated by stories from the past? Download our exclusive booklet and see waterways history brought to life before your eyes.
Wed Jul 29 2020
War on the waterways
To mark Armistice Day we have been investigating the connections between war and the waterways, and the impact that war had on the people, places and heritage of our canals and rivers.
Wed Nov 09 2016
George the master fender-maker
George has been making fenders for 40 years and is a well-known figure in the boating community. He talks to us about the art of fender-making and shows us how it’s done.
Wed Jan 27 2016
The seven wonders of the waterways
Have you visited all of the original seven wonders of the waterways? Read on to see how many you can tick off your bucket list.
Fri Oct 16 2015

1 / 2

Last Edited: 01 February 2018

photo of a location on the canals

Sign up to our monthly newsletter and be the first to hear about campaigns, upcoming events and fundraising inspiration