Narrow Boats

Part of the Britain's Heritage series

Author:	Tom Chaplin
Published:	2017
Format:	Paperback, 64 pages
Size:	234 × 165 × 5 mm

£8⁹⁹

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From Working Craft to Canal Icon

Tom Chaplin traces the story of narrowboats – their changing role, vibrant decoration and lasting legacy on Britain's inland waterways.

The traditional cargo-carrying narrowboat – recently voted one of the 100 icons of England – emerged with the construction of the narrow canal network and remained in service until 1970, when the last regular long-distance contract was lost. Up until then, working boat families lived aboard according to their own culture and work ethic.

Narrow Boats explores this way of life, explains why it persisted for so long, and examines how and why it changed. The vessels evolved as horses gave way to steam and diesel power, while boatyards developed the skills to build beautiful boats adorned with roses, castles, scrolls and geometric designs that brought colour and vibrancy to the waterways.

Since the working boats' demise, a new generation of narrowboats has emerged for leisure and residential use. This book reflects on the origin and purpose of the traditions many of these modern boats attempt to replicate.

Written by technical consultant Tom Chaplin, this volume is part of the Britain’s Heritage Series, which offers definitive introductions to the riches of Britain’s past – the perfect way to get acquainted with the narrowboat in all its variety.

About the Author

Tom Chaplin has been cruising the inland waterway network since the 1950s, gathering much of the material for this book while crewing for working boatmen and observing their craft, techniques and way of life. The first of his four books on narrowboats was published in 1967. A civil engineer by training, he ran a Riparian Owner service for many years and concluded his career as a water freight consultant, championing the use of inland waterways for transport.