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Wilts & Berks Canal facts for kids
| Wilts & Berks Canal | |
|---|---|
A section of the Canal near Rushey Platt, Swindon.
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| Specifications | |
| Length | 52 miles (84 km) (+ branches totalling 6 miles (9.7 km)) |
| Maximum boat length | 72 ft 0 in (21.95 m) |
| Maximum boat beam | 7 ft 0 in (2.13 m) |
| Locks | 42 (+ 3 on Calne branch) |
| Status | Under restoration |
| History | |
| Principal engineer | Robert Whitworth |
| Other engineer(s) | William Whitworth |
| Date of act | 1795 |
| Construction began | 1796 |
| Date completed | 1810 |
| Date closed | 1914 |
| Geography | |
| Start point | River Thames |
| End point | Kennet and Avon Canal |
| Branch(es) |
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| Connects to | North Wilts Canal |
The Wilts & Berks Canal is a historic waterway in England. It connects the Kennet and Avon Canal near Melksham to the River Thames at Abingdon. The canal is about 52 miles (84 km) long. It also had a branch called the North Wilts Canal. This branch linked to the Thames and Severn Canal near Cricklade. Boat workers sometimes called the canal the "Ippey Cut".
The canal first opened in 1810. But it was officially closed in 1914. A big reason for its closure was the collapse of the Stanley aqueduct in 1901. After it closed, many parts of the canal were damaged or filled in. Some areas even had buildings put on top of them. In 1977, a group called the Wilts & Berks Canal Amenity Group started. They wanted to bring the canal back to life. Since then, many locks and bridges have been fixed. Over 8 miles (13 km) of the canal now have water in them again.
Contents
About the Canal's Name
The official name of this waterway is the "Wilts & Berks Canal". This name comes from the old laws that allowed it to be built. It is not correct to call it the "Wiltshire and Berkshire Canal". Also, the "North Wilts Canal" should not be called the "North Wiltshire Canal".
The canal keeps its original name for historical reasons. Even though some areas it passes through are now in Oxfordshire, the name reminds us of its past.
Building the Canal
Plans for the canal were first shared in 1793 by engineers Robert Whitworth and William Whitworth. In 1795, a special law was passed. This law allowed a company to raise money to build the canal. They could raise £111,900 by selling shares.
The canal was built between 1796 and 1810. Robert Whitworth was an engineer on the project until 1799. William Whitworth then took over as the main engineer. He stayed until the canal was finished. The total cost to build the canal was £255,262. After it was finished, more laws were passed. These laws helped the company manage tolls and pay off debts. They also allowed for a reservoir to be built.
The Canal's Path
The main canal was 52 miles (84 km) long. It also had branches that added up to 6 miles (9.7 km). These branches went to towns like Chippenham, Calne, Wantage, and Longcot. The canal was built for narrowboats. These boats were about 72 feet (22 m) long and 7 feet (2.1 m) wide.
There were 42 locks on the main canal. The Calne branch had three more locks. The canal also had three short tunnels. While the main canal opened in 1810, some branches were used earlier. The North Wilts Canal, which went from Swindon to the Thames and Severn Canal, opened in 1819. It had 11 locks. This branch later joined with the Wilts & Berks Canal in 1821.
How the Canal Was Used
The canal was important for moving goods. Coal came from mines in the Somerset Coalfield. It traveled along other canals and then onto the Wilts & Berks Canal. In 1837, over 43,000 tons of coal were moved on the canal. This canal helped connect the West Country to the Midlands.
However, the canal faced challenges. There was often not enough water. A reservoir, now known as Coate Water, was built near Swindon to help. The biggest problem was competition from railways. The Great Western Railway started in 1841. It offered a faster way to transport goods. Also, the canal was built through a type of clay that made it hard to hold water. This meant constant repairs were needed. Even with these issues, the canal operated for over 100 years. But by 1901, traffic had almost stopped. The collapse of the Stanley Aqueduct that year was a major blow.
Why the Canal Was Abandoned
The canal was officially closed by a law in 1914. After this, much of the land went back to its original owners. In some areas, like Swindon, the local council took control of the land.
From the 1930s, many parts of the canal were filled in. People often used it as a place to dump rubbish. Some old canal sites were even built over. For example, a bus station was built where Chippenham Wharf used to be. During the Second World War, many of the canal's structures were damaged. The army used them for demolition practice. Because of this, very little of the old canal remained usable. However, you can still see the path of the canal in many rural areas.
Bringing the Canal Back to Life
In 1977, the Wilts & Berks Canal Amenity Group started. Their goal was to protect what was left of the canal. They also wanted to restore small parts for people to enjoy. They began by clearing sections in places like Kingshill and Shrivenham. Ten years later, this became a much bigger project.
In 1997, the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust was formed. This group worked with local councils. Their main goal was to protect, save, and improve the canal. They hoped to restore the entire canal so boats could use it again. Even though some parts of the canal's land have been developed, much of its route is still there. Local plans now protect the canal's path. This means no new buildings should be built on the old canal route.
A new connection to the River Thames was opened in 2006. It's called Jubilee Junction. This new section will eventually link to the canal's original route. The Trust is working hard to put water back into many rural sections. They are also working with local councils to build new sections. This is important where buildings now stand on the original route.
By 2006, several bridges and locks had been rebuilt. At least 8 miles (13 km) of the canal had water in them. In 2009, Double Bridge and a short section of the canal near Pewsham were officially opened. This section was extended in 2012 with the help of volunteers.
There are some big engineering challenges ahead. For example, the M4 motorway in Swindon was built over the canal's path. Swindon Council supports restoring the canal. They are planning a route through the town center, even if it's not the exact original path. This project could cost £50 million. Many people think it will help make Swindon a better place to visit.
In Melksham, much of the canal's route is now covered by houses. The town council has agreed to support plans to route the canal through the River Avon. This would involve building a new weir to raise water levels. These plans were approved in 2012. They include building 2 miles (3.2 km) of new waterway. This will also have a path for walking and cycling.
The Wilts & Berks Canal Trust has many active projects. They are rebuilding bridges and locks. They are also dredging and reshaping parts of the canal.
| Active Restoration Projects | ||
|---|---|---|
| Project | Details | Coordinates (Links to map resources) |
| Childrey Wharf | Drainage works and new spill weir | 51°35′46″N 1°29′06″W / 51.596°N 1.485°W |
| Steppingstones Lane Bridge | Bridge being rebuilt – nearing completion | 51°35′28″N 1°39′40″W / 51.591°N 1.661°W |
| Latton Basin | 51°39′29″N 1°52′30″W / 51.658°N 1.875°W | |
| Hayes Knoll Lock | Lock being rebuilt | 51°36′54″N 1°51′00″W / 51.615°N 1.850°W |
| River Ray Valley, Moredon | Joint project between the Trust and BBC Breathing Spaces | 51°34′55″N 1°49′12″W / 51.582°N 1.820°W |
| Chaddington Lane spill weir and canal | Lock and Spill weir rebuilt, dredging and reprofiling of canal in progress. | 51°31′55″N 1°51′47″W / 51.532°N 1.863°W |
| Seven Locks, Lynham | Lock chambers 3 & 4 now rebuilt. Lock 2 and bridge to be redesigned & rebuilt. | 51°31′34″N 1°58′19″W / 51.526°N 1.972°W |
| Pewsham Locks and canal | 3 locks, a bridge, a dry dock, a spill weir and a culvert undergoing restoration. | 51°26′17″N 2°05′31″W / 51.438°N 2.092°W |
| Restored & new sections in water | ||
|---|---|---|
| Location | Details | Coordinates (Links to map resources) |
| Jubilee Junction | 150 yards (140 m) of new canal and winding hole constructed. Navigable from River Thames. | 51°39′04″N 1°16′55″W / 51.651°N 1.282°W |
| Templar's Firs section | 1,250 yards (1.14 km) of canal restored | 51°32′02″N 1°53′24″W / 51.534°N 1.890°W |
| Dauntsey section | 770 yards (700 m) in water | 51°31′12″N 2°00′36″W / 51.520°N 2.010°W |
| Foxham section | 770 yards (700 m) in water | 51°30′07″N 2°01′59″W / 51.502°N 2.033°W |
| Double Bridge & Naish Hill section | Bridge & 550 yards (500 m) of canal restored | 51°25′44″N 2°06′07″W / 51.429°N 2.102°W |
Note: Much of the route is over land in private ownership with no rights of public access, which may include restoration sites.
Challenges in Restoration
Restoring the canal sometimes causes debate. For example, some people worry about cutting down trees. These trees have grown along the canal since it was abandoned. They provide homes for wildlife. However, many of these trees are fast-growing willows. They can be dangerous because large branches might fall. Volunteers often have to remove fallen trees to keep paths clear for walkers and cyclists.
The Trust tries to keep local people informed. They give talks and guided walks. They want to show how a restored canal can create a "wildlife corridor." They explain that canals are not stagnant. Water in canals moves slowly, which helps prevent weed growth. Boats also stir the water, keeping it healthy.
Some people in south Oxfordshire worry about flooding. But the canal could actually help. It might act as a drainage system. This would help move excess water away to the Thames. The Environment Agency has also shared concerns about the canal's route in Melksham. They want to make sure it doesn't affect the floodplain.
Volunteers are also busy installing fences, accommodation bridges, and drainage systems. They also help with tree care and removal when needed.
Map of the Canal Route
| Point | Coordinates (Links to map resources) |
OS Grid Ref | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jubilee Junction | 51°39′04″N 1°16′55″W / 51.651°N 1.282°W | SU496949 | junction with River Thames |
| Wantage | 51°35′46″N 1°26′17″W / 51.596°N 1.438°W | SU384887 | |
| Shrivenham | 51°35′24″N 1°39′43″W / 51.590°N 1.662°W | SU234880 | |
| Cricklade | 51°39′25″N 1°52′34″W / 51.657°N 1.876°W | SU104945 | junction with Thames and Severn Canal |
| approximate midpoint | 51°32′56″N 1°48′18″W / 51.549°N 1.805°W | SU135834 | junction with North Wilts Canal |
| Seven Locks | 51°31′34″N 1°58′16″W / 51.526°N 1.971°W | SU201808 | |
| Stanley Junction | 51°27′07″N 2°03′29″W / 51.452°N 2.058°W | ST959726 | junction with Calne branch |
| Semington Junction | 51°20′53″N 2°08′46″W / 51.348°N 2.146°W | ST898610 | junction with Kennet & Avon Canal |