Virtual Waterways Archive Catalogue  
Site map >   Bookmark page >   Help >   Text only version >
Virtual Waterways Archive Catalogue
 

You are in the section: Getting started

Getting Started

The database will provide you with helpful information about waterways' archives in England, Scotland and Wales.
Union Canal Carriers pair entering Stoke Bruerne top lock, 1960s. Ref. Slide boats 7
Main nav
Skip navigation
Frequently asked questions:

Is it free?
There is no charge for using the Virtual Waterways website and its contents.

What is on the Virtual Waterways database?
Catalogue descriptions of documents, maps, plans and drawings, dating from the 17th century to the near present day, relating to 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.

What can I do on this website?
Search our catalogues
Look up our educational resources

Can I see documents online?
No, that is not possible at this stage, although you can see some documents in our education pages.

Can I arrange to see documents?
Yes, you can search our catalogue of documents held by one of the 15 repositories to find a record. You can then follow links to the repository that holds the record and make arrangements with them to go and view the record.

Welcome

The Virtual Waterways database is easy to use for all ages and levels of expertise in ICT. The database will provide you with helpful information about waterways‘ archives in England, Scotland and Wales. It is regularly updated, so remember to visit frequently for the latest additions.

Here are some things to bear in mind:

The database does not work in the same way as a World Wide Web search engine. It will only search for the word or phrase you submit or select as a search term. It will not find similar words or phrases like a search engine does.

The Virtual Waterways database does not yet include digital images of documents or photographic archives. Nor does it include full transcripts (copies) of the text of documents. The catalogues in the database will help you find descriptions of archives, which will help you decide whether or not you require more information about them.

Contact details for contributing archives repositories are available from the Contact Us page and from your search results, so that you can arrange to see or order copies of the documents you are interested in. For more information, go to Help With Searching.