talk report - FEBRUARY 2008
27 February 2008: The Leeds/Liverpool Canal (continued) - Mr Phil Watkinson
The Society was pleased to welcome Phil Watkinson back for a second time to share his enthusiasm and knowledge of the Leeds/Liverpool Canal. In his first talk last year he looked at the planning and construction of the canal. In this talk he outlined the later stages of the canal's development, the boats and the lives of the boatmen and their families.
There had been several stages in the canal's development from the first cut at Halsall in 1770 to its completion in 1816. Sections were opened at both ends of the canal as they were completed, such as those from Bingley to Skipton in 1773 and to Gathurst in 1774. The arrival of the canal opened up opportunities for towns and industry to develop along its length which linked directly to the canal and this led to branches with other canals being proposed such as the Lancaster Canal and the Rochdale Canal together with links by tramways and branches to collieries and coalfields were also possible. Boats used on the canal were 14ft wide and either 60ft or 72ft long with cabins at the bow and stern. Decorative painted scrollwork and lettering were important features of every boat. The name of the boat was painted on either side of the bow with the owner's name on the stern. Decorative ropework on the top of the rudder was a particular feature.
When the boatmen and their families lived on shore, communities of boat people formed in various places along the canal. Many of the names of boat families were also those currently being research by Society members and created a great deal of interest. Buildings along the canal often had unique design feature such as the covered awning at Ainscough's at Burscough and at Wigan Pier. Boats were developed for specific purposes such as ice-breaking. Steamboats were developed in the 1880's. These were 'fly-boats' and were faster but had less carrying capacity than the traditional boats. Narrower and quicker 'packet-boats' carried passengers and ran to timetables.
Horses were used to pull boats throughout the life of the canal and the last horse-drawn boat was in use until 1960. Boats were still being built in 1950 and the coal traffic to Liverpool continued until 1963/64. Phil's unique collection of photographs, models of boats and other artifacts created considerable interest among members. This was a thoroughly enjoyable and informative talk and we hope to welcome Phil back again in the future.