As a virtual whole, there are over 40,000 records. Until now much of this unique collection has never been available to the public.

Virtual Waterways contains rich and diverse records in many forms including plans, drawings, company accounts, personal work diaries, engineering surveys, gauge registers and share records.

A leading-edge archival resource...
...that covers all aspects of the creation, ownership, maintenance and use of some 2,000 miles of the nation‘s inland waterways that British Waterways owns, has owned, or has had an interest in.

Whether you want to look at documents for recreational purposes or use in a school or college project, the archives provide a fascinating glimpse into our waterway history. Virtual Waterways will continue to be updated with new material.

Extended opening hours...
...information about the Waterways Archives will now be available, effectively, 24 hours per day, every day of the year. The first viable public transport system, these canals have been described as ‘The arteries of the industrial revolution‘. Well over 50% of the UK population live within 5 miles of a canal.

The Virtual Waterways database contains catalogues describing waterway-related archives held throughout England, Scotland and Wales, dating from the 17th century to the near present day. Click on Searching the catalogue to begin your search.

Contact details for the central project team and its partners >