What is waterways heritage?

Britain’s waterways tell the story of our industrial past. The history of river navigation and canal building led to unique and diverse heritage features.

Originally canals were owned by different companies and each one designed locks and bridges in slightly different ways. Every canal has slightly differently designed lock mechanisms.

Boats are an integral part of waterways heritage. There is a life and vibrancy to a working waterway that is not found on an un-navigable stretch of water.

The evolution of inland waterways craft mirrors the development of navigations. The dimensions of locks (as well as water depth and bridge air draught) have defined the size of boats which are able to navigate the inland waterways.

Each set of waterways has a type of boat most suited to it, with the boats often being known by the navigation they were used on. For example, Leeds and Liverpool “Short” Boats and Thames Sailing Barges.

The skills needed to operate boats on the inland waterways are alive and continually evolving.

However there are some aspects which need to be supported if they are to continue. In particular, the skills relating to operating historic boats or pairs of boats.

Boatbuilding skills are also an important part of waterways heritage. This is true for the maintenance of existing boats and building new ones which look right in a heritage context. Traditional techniques need passing down to ensure they are not lost.

Waterways heritage is also the culture of the people who live and work on the canals and rivers, both in the past and present.

The boat families of the past developed a distinct culture. This was born out of their isolation from land based communities due to always being on the move. The beautifully painted boats and items such as water cans are well known examples and there are still those who paint in this tradition. However, other less tangible remnants of this culture such as the language are also threatened. This includes names for boat parts and skills, as well as places.

Music and the spoken word have often been important ways in which waterways stories have been passed down. Today’s boaters have evolved their own sense of culture and identity, some of which is based in the old traditions.

There is a community spirit amongst boaters, stemming from a shared love of an alternative but sometimes difficult way of life. They have often colonised lesswell-loved spaces of towns and cities, bringing a vibrancy and identity to spaces which previously felt less safe.