Canals and Railways of Wiltshire

A network of inland waterways criss-cross the length and breadth of the country. Constructed in the late 18th century, the narrowboats that plied their trade on these narrow waterways helped revolutionise commerce.

Yet, within decades, the canals were obsolete and the railways that took their trade, ushered in by the Industrial Revolution, transformed the fortunes of the nation. In this book, the heritage of Wiltshire's main-line railways constructed to pass through the county, and the branch lines that fed from them are reviewed, their ownership histories documented and their current status recorded.

Also explored is Swindon's role as home of the railways and its pivotal involvement in the construction of locomotives.

Alongside the corridors in the landscape where rail tracks once cut through are the memories of the canals, their presence recorded in street names or disconnected bodies of water, or latterly through restoration projects that have brought life back to the waterways.

The restored Kennet & Avon Canal, for example, is now the jewel in the county’s crown, providing a vital resource for people and wildlife.

Illustrated with hundreds of historic and contemporary images, this book presents a then and-now review of the changes to the transport infrastructure through Wiltshire.

Available: NOW

ISBN: 978 1 80282 909 9

Price: £24.99

Series: Non-Series

Format: Paperback, 288 pages

Author: Ken Jones

10.99 Books

Canals and Railways of Wiltshire