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We have an insightful exhibition that lets you discover the heritage of the water ways, here are some of the highlights.
The Nottingham Canal Company is founded after a public meeting on 26th October.
This is in direct response to concerns that Nottinghamshire’s collieries were at a commercial disadvantage to those being served by the Erewash and Cromford Canals.
8th July. William Jessop and Robert Whitworth submit a report to the Trent Navigation Company on the question of a cut at Beeston Meadows.
Derby Canal Act is passed on 7th May.
By early 1796 the entire length of Nottingham Canal is open to traffic, connecting collieries at Wollaton and Bilborough amongst others to Langley Mill, and from there to the Cromford Canal.
The first detailed census shows a lock house and three cottages are occupied, with a total of 21 people living on the site.
Passing of the Canal Boat Act designed to improve the living and working conditions of boatmen and their families.
The first year that no profit is realised for the Trent Navigation Company. 23rd July. An extraordinary meeting of the Trent Navigation Company proprietors is held to discuss the way forward.
Of the premises owned at Beeston Meadows: 5 cottages and a house ‘in Trent land’ are listed.
Written by Henry Rodolph de Salis. This is the first book of reference to bring together detailed information on the navigable waterways.
The Inland Waterways Association is formed by Tom Rolt and Robert Aikman. The Association leads a growing conservation movement concerned with the restoration and preservation of our waterways.
The canals are nationalised along with the railways, becoming part of the British Transportation Commission.
The UK’s last regular long distance canal boat carrying contract ends. The original 18th century side-bridge at Beeston Lock is removed.
By 1980 the last resident of the north cottage nearest the lock has moved out. It would never be occupied again.
The Canalside Heritage Centre Trust is established by local people with the aim of creating a new community facility in the workers cottages
Several years later thanks to a team of passionate local people and successful funding, the historic cottages have become the beautiful Canalside Heritage Centre.
