Archive - Wednesday, 30 December 2009


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Wiltshire canal history unearthed

Volunteer Peter Williams, who spends his weekends digging up the remains of a former waterway, has been busy unearthing its past.

Mr Williams, 40, a music teacher from Pewsham, has been a member of the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust for 20 years but his latest project is researching a book on the history of the line between Semington and Lacock.

He has already unearthed documents and maps that have been hidden for decades, and is now appealing for people to come forward with information that could help shed light on the canal and the part it played in the community.

Mr Williams said: “It all started several years ago when members of the public approached the charity with letters and memories which revealed all sorts of things we hadn’t known before.

“Despite growing up in Melksham and moving to Chippenham, I had never been aware how this formerly forgotten waterway had played such a major role in the development of the two towns. So I decided to research the entire history of the canal at a local level.”

Anyone who can help should contact Mr Williams on (01249) 652248.


Comments (1)

31/12/09

jerome hughes says...

Sounds fascinating, I'd love to hear more about it particularly the Chippenhan canal data. I believe the canal there terminated behind the old bus station opposite the library?but as to its route or connections I simply dont know.