 River
and Canal Barges
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| The river navigations that the Midland canals
linked together nearly all had their own indigenous style of
workboat, developed by local craftsmen for local conditions.
They vary considerably in size, and wonderfully illustrate the
history and regional individuality of the inland waterway world.
As a generalised rule they can all be classed as 'barges', being
at least twice as wide to their length as the strictly inland
narrow boat. Proportionally they were more like little ships,
seaworthy enough to operate in the choppy waters of deep rivers
as well as on the still waters of artificial canals. Many did
indeed undertake coastal passages as well. |
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Right - Preserved Mersey
flats at the Boat Museum, Ellesmere Port. |
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Below - Yorkshire barges on
the River Ouse at Selby. |
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