Canal Boat Ancestors and Teachers

A narrowboat cabin, 1870s.

A classroom in the early 20th century.

The cover story of the September issue of Who Do You Think You Are? magazine includes my latest feature on canal boat ancestors, plus my feature on Teacher Registration Council registers (available from Findmypast and the Society of Genealogists' Library) so do check it out if you have canal ancestors or teacher ancestors. It was very difficult for canal children to get an education as they were always on the move.

Canal horses and donkeys, 1870s.

On Sunday 10 August, some heavy horses will be visiting the National Waterways Museum at Ellesmere Port, so you will be able to see a wonderful demonstration of horse-drawn canal boating.

A Walk around Audlem

Recently we enjoyed a visit to Audlem in Cheshire. I was keen to have a look at the village, not only but it has a famous set of canal locks, but also because I think some of my Dickman ancestors lived near there briefly in the 1820s. The parish church is on a high mound, and has a commanding view of the many pretty old buildings in the village.

Audlem is on the Shropshire Union Canal, and we had a lovely walk along the towpath. The old mill near the wharf is now a canal shop with gifts and books; many thanks to Chris and Peter for their warm welcome. I signed some copies of my book Tracing Your Canal Ancestors while I was in the shop, so do contact the Canal Bookshop just in case if they have any left.

Audlem is also home to a Festival of Transport with narrow boats and vintage vehicles; the festival is on 29 July this year.

Images:
The parish church of St James the Great, Audlem.
Audlem Mill, formerly Kingbur Mill.
Canal boats on the Shropshire Union.