Canals Continued

The canal people were very talented in the way they decorated their equipment. These are examples of the Buckby watering cans. They were traditionally decorated with roses and each artist had his own style.

A very old water can. The name of the boat is written on the can

Traditional old can painted to a very high standard

The doors to the narrowboat were decorated with pictures of castles, nobody knows why castles were chosen.

Dreaming of a better life from the harsh reality of the canals

Interior of a traditional working boat. The family lived in a very confined space. 

 Everything has a place

To get through the tunnels 'leggers' were paid to lie on a board and 'walk' the boat through the tunnel.

 Leaving Blisworth Tunnel

Boards used by the leggers

 Leggers were employed by the Grand Union Canal and wore a special armband.

The men who did this work often died young

For special occasions the horses were dressed up.

A crocheted headband and a large oblong painted bead necklace 

 Metal marks on the bridge made by the ropes of the horses who were used to pull the boats. 

Marks made by the  horse ropes

We moored at Blisworth a very pretty village with a lot of thatched cottages.

Tiny windows and a dominant roof. Look at the downpipes.

The thatch looks as if it has been poured.

Advertise your trade here.

Eye catching

You see all sights on the towpath.

Just another one

A crazy patchwork tea cosy.

Look at the embroidery detail

The motorbike will not travel far.

Economy cycling

An apple a day.

Not sweet but sharp

A beautiful sunset.

Sunset over the canal