The following articles are reprinted from the Swindon Evening Advertiser and are reprinted with permission. They have all appeared in relation to the Wilts and Berks Canal in Swindon. Articles relating to other areas on the route can be found here.
Articles:
A narrow escape from drowning 1855
The new Swindon steam vessel Fly-by-night 1872
A new Fleet Street Bridge 1876
The new proposed bridge at Fleet Street 1876
The proposed bridge in Fleet Street 1876
Medical health report on the Canal 1908
A narrow escape from Drowning 1855
Yesterday (Sunday) week, a sad catastrophe, which almost proved fatal, happened to Thomas Day, cowman to H L Dunsford Esq. of the wharf.
It appears that Day had been to Stratton to spend the evening with a few friends. On his return home between ten and eleven he was alone, and his residence being at Cetus' buildings, he had to proceed thither up the towing path of the canal, when descending from the main road to the water side, he awoke some men who were sleeping nearby in a boat near the bridge by singing out a stentorian voice "Ay, Ding dong for dumplings" which he repeated several times.
The men arose and the unfortunate man had not proceeded any distance before he was, by some means or another, precipitated into the canal. His cries for assistance were soon heard; the boatmen hastening to the spot and succeeded after great exertion (not escaping however without a cold bath) in extricating the aged man from the water and a watery grave, after having recourse to the normal restoratorive. We hear he has since been enabled to resume his wonted avocations.
Notice is hereby given that the fishing in the canal will in future be STRICTLY PRESERVED
All persons are therefore requested to abstain from fishing without an order, which can only be obtained on application to Mr Durnsford, at the canal office, Swindon. The orders which will not be transferable will be granted for six months, commencing from 1st May and will be available at any part of the Summit level, which is eight and a half miles in length and also the North Wilts branch, nine miles to fish with one rod and line, from the towing path side only , the charge for such being ten shillings.
Persons detected fishing after this notice without an order will be prosecuted. Boatmen detected fishing will in future be punished, as provided by Act of parliament. By order of the Committee
Henry Lyde Dunsford (Superintendent)
The Golden Lion Bridge 1863 (named after the nearby pub)
On Saturday afternoon last a public meeting of the ratepayers of Old and New Swindon was held in the town hall Old Town (Mr W Foote in the chair) for the purpose of considering what steps it was advisable to take to replace the present unsafe and inadequate bridge over the Wilts and Berks Canal by a new and effective bridge.
The meeting which was well attended, was unanimous that something should be done in the matter and a committee consisting of WF Gooch, W Foote, WB Wearing, J Toomer, W Gillett , J Fawcett, G Adams, J Benskin and W Read was appointed to confer with the directors of the Canal company on this matter and to take such steps as they might see fit.
This matter has been agitated for eight or nine years, and we do trust that the gentlemen who were appointed to act as a committee will at once proceed to do all that is necessary towards making the bridge adequate to the requirements of the public and the great traffic constantly passing over this spot.
The Golden Lion Bridge although "down only some nine months, is now up for repairs", causing a complete stoppage to a large portion of the daily-increasing traffic between old Swindon and new Swindon.
As we stated at the time this bridge was opened, four iron tubes, or coffer damns are sunk in the ground, two on each side of the canal; over these tubes there are pillars, in the centre of which there are chains connected at the one end with the bed of the bridge, and at the other with large weights, which rise and fall inside the coffer dams as the bridge is raised or lowered. On the outside of the pillars there are groves in which wheels, which form a kind of spur at each corner of the bridge, works, and by which the bridge is kept in the proper place.
For a long time, these wheels have shown a "hitching" disposition, and the bridge has generally exhibited a determination not to "go easy" until at length it positively refused to go one way or the other. On examining into the cause of this it was found that one of the coffer dams had been shifting its position, and had made a move towards the water, and in doing so had, of course, taken the pillar on the top along with it, and thereby locked the spur of the bridge into the grove up and down which it was intended to work easy. For some days past men have been engaged in putting things right, but how long it will take to do this seems uncertain. The offending coffer-dam has been removed but whether this attempt to make it bide still will be successful or not remains to be seen.
It is very clear that the "giving" of any part of the work an inch or two does make a difference to the working of the bridge, it may be found necessary before a job is made of it to have the bridge "out of it" altogether and pulling down the walls built up last June or July, re-erecting them in a more substantial manner by using cement instead of mortar for the purpose, it appearing quite certain that the present failure is to be attributed to the water having found its way to the back of the wall.
It is rather amusing when passing the works to notice the number of authorities engaged in it. When the bridge was first put down, there was no end of interest in the Wilts and Berks works. We think it is a pity, considering the great inconveniences these stoppages of a leading thoroughfare occasions, that the work is not entrusted to one competent and responsible man, and thus prevent a consistently recurring illustration of the old adage that "too many cooks spoil the broth".
The New Swindon steam vessel Fly-by-night 1872
There has been on the canal at New Swindon, since Monday last, a small steam vessel of somewhat elegant appearance, and showing some remarkable workmanship, so much in fact that it has been visited by large bodies of the New Swindon Mechanics and has attracted very general notice.
The vessel is known as Fly-by-night, it is the property of William Louch esq, who was formerly a pupil under Sir Daniel Gooch in the Swindon factory, has just performed a voyage from London to Swindon by river and canal having its owner and several other gentlemen on board. In length the vessel is forty-two feet, all over, her width of beam being six foot two inches. The journey to Swindon a distance of 134 miles occupied four days.
The first day's trip was from London to Cobham, a distance of 54 miles. Second day from Cobham to Pangbourne, a distance of 29 miles. Third day from Pangbourne to Abingdon a distance of 23 miles and the fourth day from Abingdon to Swindon by the Wilts and Berks canal, a distance of 28 miles. Under ordinary circumstances the speed of the vessel is from 8 to 10 miles an hour, but the journey up the Thames was against the stream, and the full speed could not be maintained in consequence, whilst in the canal the weeds, the shallowness of the water and the locks greatly retarded progress. The draught of the vessel is three feet six inches, but it was found necessary at Abingdon to reduce the draught aft to three feet and even then the journey from that place to Swindon took seventeen hours, there being in addition to the eighteen locks, thirty lift and swing bridges to be attended to.
It may be interesting to some of our readers to know that the eighteen locks between Abingdon and Swindon represent a rise in the level of the canal of no less than 282 feet. The fly-by-night is not only an elegant build, but is most complete in all its arrangements, carrying full accomodation for a party of nine or ten people. Propelled by a screw, her engine and boiler are models of good and finished workmanship. The boiler which is constructed on Messengers patent principle is verticle and contains 115 tubes, one inch in diameter and fifteen inches in length.The engine which is affixed to the boiler is single, the diameter of the cylinder being 53 ¾ inches with an eight inch stroke. The diameter of the screw propeller is two feet six inches with a four foot pitch. With the boiler pressed at 80lbs the screw performs 300 revolutions per minute.
During the four day journey the vessel was under steam forty-three hours involving a consumption of twenty-eight cwt of coal. Although the boiler and engine are exposed to the view on the deck, they are kept quite distinct from the cabin, which is most elegantly fitted up and so constructed as to be made if required, quite private, the fittings being of polished mahogany and teak with plate glass windows. In various lockers there is every provision for even a long voyage, a complete cooking apparatus by steam being affixed when necessary to the steam boiler.
A new Fleet Street Bridge 1876
Mr Forward proposed that the clerk be instructed to write to the Canal Company, asking what kind of bridge they would allow the Board to erect over the canal at the top of Fleet Street, which was seconded and carried.
Cheques for over £600 having been signed, the meeting broke up.
The new proposed bridge at Fleet Street 1876
A long discussion arose on the subject. It was said estimates had been received of the probable cost, which amounted to something like £700.
It was decided that the Board should take no further action in the matter until plans were laid before them of what kind of bridge it was proposed to erect, with an estimate, so that the Board might lay it before the Canal Company.
The proposed bridge in Fleet Street 1876
Mr Westlake and Mr. Rich attended before the board as a deputation from the Fleet Street Bridge Committee, and presented plans and an estimate for the proposed new bridge, which it is said would cost about £400. It was proposed to put a swing bridge, with a 10ft 6in roadway and 2ft 6in footpath on either side.
Mr Westlake said the committee could offer the board £250 towards the cost if they would make up the deficiency. The chairman said the bridge would increase the value of the property each side more than £400, but Mr Forward said it was a question of public convenience.
Mr Hurt again denounced the scheme as useless, there being another bridge within eighty yards of the proposed one, which drew from Mr Pope the remark that it was evident Mr Hurt had not got property on that street. Mr Forward proceeded to propose that the board accept the offer, but it was said it would be desirable to give the absent members notice of the question coming on, and save any remarks afterwards. The suggestion was adopted.
A Fisherman's Plea (A letter to the Swindon Advertiser editor) 1879
In your issue of 12th inst, there appeared an advertisment emanating, I presume, from the Wilts and Berks Canal Company, intimating that the sole right of fishing in the canal was to be let, commencing May 1st 1879.
I as a great lover of the gentle craft, and for years a season ticket holder, should like to ask the said company what protection they can guarantee the lessee against netting and other illegal methods of capturing fish, which I regret to say, is carried on in the most determined and ruthless manner, without the slightest regard to the size, condition or season of the year.
Now if the company can and will prevent those who resort to these means and unsportsmanlike practices I for one, would use my best endeavours to protect their interests in this matter, and I can further assure thom there are men who are also desirous of preserving and rendering the canal a good fishing resort, so that the numerous votaries of the road and line may enjoy a fair day's sport, and not as it is now, walk half a mile and not catch a bait.
Thanking you for the space you have so kindly devoted to this piscatorial grievance.
I am yours truly, an old Waltonian
Medical health report on the canal June 26th 1908
From Marsh Farm Bridge to the wharf the water is covered with weed and a growth of rushes. When disturbed the water gives off gas, which is offensive - this occurs more particularly in the neighbourhood of the two bridges. The length of the canal from Wharf Bridge to Graham Street is for the most part open water and is very offensive.
From Graham Street to Skurray's Mill and whale bridge, there is less water. Opposite the brick kilns there is a surface collection of stinking filth, and from here to the mill and bridge the water is black and stinking. From Whale Bridge to Wellington Street the canal is overgrown, but the smell of the water is offensive. From Wellington Street Bridge to the junction and on the Regent Street Bridge the water is clear of weed and is black and very offensive.
The length from Commercial Road to Cambria Bridge is covered with weed and is not so offensive. Here however, volumes of gas are liberated when the bottom is disturbed. From Cambria Bridge to Marlborough Street and then to Wootton Bassett Road the canal is entirely covered with weeds and a growth of rushes, except where the dam was at the laying of the new Westcott Place sewer, here the water is open and offensive.
Sources of Pollution
The condition of the canal from this junction to Rodbourne locks is as follows. At the junction itself, the water is very black and malodorous and clear of weeds. On approaching the Fleet Street Bridge, there is a growth of weed, at Cheltenham street backs to Union street bridge, the canal is overgrown with reeds and rushes. There are many trees on the banks at the edge of the water. There is not much smell here and the water is fairly clear.
Under the Great Western railway bridge, two culverts are seen to be entering the canal. The smell under the bridge is offensive, and the water is clear of weeds. From the tunnel to the locks of the canal is more or less completely overgrown with reeds and rushes, and at places is nearly filled up. The water when disturbed is offensive and gives off gas.
Possible sources of pollution
All these pipes are situated at intervals in the retaining wall of the canal on the right bank going towards Rodbourne and apparently are discharging waste water from the various shops in the factory. The hatch is situated on the left side close to the tunnel. This arm of the canal is not nearly so offensive as the main waterway, and one can trace no evidence of actual sewerage pollution.
The condition of the canal through the town is worse this year than at any previous time and many complaints have been made to the Borough officials of the smell arising from it. The towing paths are used as public thoroughfares and in addition to them being thus used, they are at various times of the day the playgrounds for hundreds of children who fish in and explore the evil-smelling waters of the canal. There are two large elementary schools, the playgrounds of which are bounded by the towpath and the banks of the canal, situated between the Whale Bridge and Regent Street, which is the worst part of the waterway. It is not easy to forcast what may be the ultimate effect of this state of nuisance into which the canal has fallen upon the health of the community.
While I have not been able to trace any epidemic condition of disease, infectious or otherwise, directly to the locality of the canal, there can be little doubt but that a continuance of the nuisance must in time have a lowering effect upon the health of the inhabitants of the town, more especially those whose fortune it is to live in its immediate vicinity. The mere fact that so many children are by circumstance compelled to remain for lengthy periods of time on its borders is in itself a danger which might at any time become acute.
I have but little doubt that the Council will give serious consideration to the means necessary to cleans this stagnant ditch, foul with the accumulation of years, and to take such steps as may be needed to prevent a recurrence of the evil.
F.E. Streeten
Medical Officer of Health
27th August 1907
(Note how long this story was "burried" before publication. Was it the council, the canal, the paper or the GWR who didn't like what it said ?)