L.T.C. (Tom) Rolt & Charles Hadfield

Their passion for canals and their determination to preserve them for future generations has inspired many people to take up the cause of canal restoration. Their works have not only helped in raising awareness about canals but have also provided valuable information about the history of canals and their role in shaping the industrial revolution.

Tom Rolt

LTC Rolt

Lionel Thomas Caswall Rolt, commonly known as L.T.C. Rolt, was a British writer and engineer who contributed significantly to the preservation of canals and railways in the UK. Born in 1910, Rolt became interested in industrial heritage at an early age and went on to study engineering at the University of Birmingham.

However, it was his passion for writing that eventually led him to become a successful author, with several of his books focusing on the history and preservation of canals and railways. His most famous work, “Narrow Boat,” was published in 1944 and is considered a classic in the genre of canal literature.

Rolt’s dedication to preserving Britain’s industrial heritage is also evident in his involvement with the founding of the Inland Waterways Association and the Talyllyn Railway Preservation Society. He played a key role in restoring both the canal network and railways across the UK, helping to ensure their survival for future generations.

Despite passing away in 1974, Rolt’s legacy lives on through his writings and contributions to railway and canal preservation. His work has inspired many others to take an interest in industrial heritage and contribute towards its preservation.

Charles Hadfield

Charles Hadfield was a renowned author and historian who made significant contributions to the preservation of canals in England.

He was born in 1910 and spent most of his life studying and documenting the history of canals in the country.

Hadfield authored several books on the subject, including “The Canals of the West Midlands” and “The Canals of North West England.” His works have become the go-to source for researchers and historians interested in understanding the role of canals in shaping the country’s industrial landscape.

Apart from his contributions as an author, Charles Hadfield was also actively involved in initiatives that aimed to preserve canals. He was a founding member of the Inland Waterways Association, which was established in 1946 to protect and preserve the country’s waterways.

Hadfield played a vital role in raising public awareness about the value of canals and advocating for their restoration. In recognition of his contributions to canal preservation, Charles Hadfield was awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in 1981.

His legacy lives on through his books and the continued efforts of organizations like the Inland Waterways Association, which work tirelessly to protect and restore England’s historic canals.

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