Do you know how much of a part canal boats have played in Britain's history? Do you know how much we owe to the families who worked the boats? The Heritage Working Boats and the volunteers who crew them are here to let you discover- for yourself. The history of our island - your heritage - is within your grasp! And it's wearing a jaunty neckerchief..
The Heritage Boats Project – bringing history to life
We want you to really be able to understand and feel the stories of these boats, people and waterways. That's why we - and you, too, if you'd like - work to create immersive opportunities for as wide an audience as possible. We run a fleet of boats and we're all volunteers.. if we look like we jumped straight out of history, don't be fooled! We just know that costume is an important part of cultural representation. And OK, it's fun to wear!
We love these boats and the history of this way of life, and that's why we want to preserve them both. If you have any sort of interest at all.. come on down to one of our events or send us an email - we'd be delighted to see you, or tell you more!
The Facts: British Waterways and Heritage Working Boats
British Waterways manage over 2000 miles of canals and inland waterways in the UK. It is they that introduced the Heritage Working Boats Project in 1999 with the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund, after it became apparent that there was a resurgence of enthusiasm for the canal heritage and the vessels that used to work upon them. Since then the project has remained their initiative, encouraging conservation of the canal network and the protection of many working craft - that would have since been lost.