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Waterways Heritage & History

Beyond mere historical accounts, these books are time machines that transport readers through the rich, complex history of Britain's inland waterways. They reveal the extraordinary stories of human ingenuity, industrial revolution, and cultural transformation embedded in every lock, bridge, and canal.

From the engineering marvels of canal construction to the social dynamics of waterway communities, these volumes uncover the layers of history that shaped Britain's inland maritime landscape. You'll explore how canals transformed trade, connected communities, and became living monuments to human creativity. More than simple historical records, these books breathe life into the architectural and cultural heritage of Britain's waterways, revealing the human stories behind these remarkable networks.

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  • Cover of "101 Wonders of the Waterways" from Adlard Coles by canal cruising experts Steve Haywood and Moira Haynes. The cover highlights a narrowboat navigating Britain's serene waterways, surrounded by lush green trees, with smaller images featuring hidden gems such as the Falkirk Wheel and a historic mill.

    101 Wonders of the Waterways

    A guide to the sights and secrets of Britain's canals and rivers

    In stock
    £1899
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  • The "Barging Round Britain" cover, by John Sergeant and David Bartley, depicts an illustrated river scene with trees, a boat, and birds on British waterways. The text reads: "Exploring the history and heritage of our lost waterways," with the Penguin Books logo at the bottom.

    Barging Round Britain

    Exploring the History of our Nation's Canals and Waterways

    Low stock (2 units)
    £1299
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  • Cover of "Britain's Canals" by Anthony Burton & Derek Pratt, features a red and blue title, subtitle, three scenic images of Britain's waterways with canals, bridges, locks, and the Adlard Coles logo at the bottom.

    Britain's Canals

    Exploring their Architectural and Engineering Wonders

    In stock
    £1899
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  • Cover of "British Canals" by The History Press, authored by historians Joseph Boughey and Charles Hadfield. It shows a canal boat on tranquil waters with mist, trees along the banks, under a serene sky—a homage to Britain's waterways legacy.

    British Canals

    The Standard History

    Very low stock (1 unit)
    £1799
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  • Illustrated cover for "Canal Ghosts & Water-Wights" by Nick Ford, published by Country Books. Features detailed black-and-white artwork depicting Britain's haunted waterways, buildings, and a boat under a cloudy sky, capturing the essence of paranormal occurrences.

    Canal Ghosts & Water-Wights

    The Spirits of Britain's Waterways

    In stock
    £1499
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  • The cover of "Canals in Britain" by Tony Conder, published by Shire Publications, features a boat with a vibrant red and black cabin adorned with decorative details on a tranquil canal, reflecting Britain's rich canal history.

    Canals in Britain

    Backordered
    £899
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  • Cover of "Canals of Britain" by Adlard Coles, showcasing canal exploration with scenic images of Britain's canals featuring narrowboats, trees, and greenery. The title stands out in bold text.

    Canals of Britain

    The Comprehensive Guide

    Low stock (2 units)
    £3000
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  •

    Discovering London's Canals

    On foot, by bike or by boat

    In stock
    £1299
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  • The "Narrow Boats" cover by Amberley Publishing displays a vibrant narrowboat on a peaceful canal, surrounded by lush greenery and rolling hills, reflecting the traditional essence of Britain's working boats.

    Narrow Boats

    Part of the Britain's Heritage series

    Backordered
    £899
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  • The cover of "The Canal Guide" by Stuart Fisher, published by Adlard Coles, features vibrant narrowboats sailing a sunlit canal surrounded by lush greenery. It highlights "Updated & Expanded" and "Britain’s 55 Best Canals," making it an essential guide to Britain's waterways heritage.

    The Canal Guide

    Britain's 55 Best Canals

    In stock
    £2000
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  • A vintage boat sails the Crinan Canal beneath a clear sky, surrounded by lush greenery and still waters. A red and yellow sign overhead reads: "The Crinan Canal" by Marian Pallister, published by Birlinn Origin; designed by John Rennie.

    The Crinan Canal

    Britain's most beautiful shortcut

    Low stock (2 units)
    £1099
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  • Illustrated cover of "The Regent's Canal Second Edition" by Conway features an aerial view of London's urban life with water, buildings, trees, pathways, and a church in the foreground. It depicts a towpath route from Little Venice to the Olympic Park highlighting urban regeneration.

    The Regent's Canal Second Edition

    An urban towpath route from Little Venice to the Olympic Park

    In stock
    £999
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  • The "Water Gypsies" book by Julian Dutton, with a foreword by Samuel West and published by The History Press, features a serene cover depicting a canal scene with a houseboat, trees, and a sheep. It explores the vibrant life on Britain's rivers and waterways.
    Sold out

    Water Gypsies

    A History of Life on Britain's Rivers and Canals

    £1499
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  • The illustrated book cover for "Water Ways" by Profile Books features grassy landscapes with waterways, swans, narrowboats, walkers, and cyclists. The title reads "Water Ways: A Thousand Miles Along Britain’s Canals" by Jasper Winn. Topped with a quote: "The perfect guide to these wet roads and water streets.

    Water Ways

    A thousand miles along Britain's canals

    In stock
    £1299
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