Tangling with the Law

In the latter part of the 19th Century, new regulations came into effect that imposed minimum standards on canal boats and their operation.

Newspaper reports of the time contained a string of prosecutions against individual boatmen and their proprietors.

The Wilts & Berks Canal's managers also resorted to the law to protect fishing and towpath rights.

Related Articles

1819: Canal Rules and Byelaws

1856: Boat Stolen from Swindon

1863: Fishing

1864: Bathing and Fishing Felonies in Swindon

1872: Damaging a Lock Gate at Calne

1885: Prosecution under the Canal Boats Act

1885: The Canal Boats Act

1886: Corsham Petty Sessions - Adam Twine fined

1892: Illegal Fishing and Swimming

1896: Throwing Stones into the Canal

1896: Cruelty to a Barge Horse

1896: A Gory Story from Wootton Bassett