[*KeMpStOn_LaSs*]

im doing about stoke bruerne and i cannot find anything about canal leggers in the 18th century i though may be you could help me out!!

[Mrs Faithorn]

There's a photograph and a little info about legging a boat through the Dudley Canal Tunnel here and a little more information about legging throught the Dudley Canal:

Quote

Life was different before its (a new tunnel) construction, boats carrying minerals on the canals had to pass through the old Dudley Tunnel, with no towing paths, boats were propelled through by men lying across the boat on their backs and pushed the boat through with their feet against the top or sides of the tunnel, this was called 'legging' the boat, it took some three and a half hours to 'leg' through the Dudley Tunnel. This meant considerable delays, as only one boat could go through at a time it was too narrow for boats to pass in the tunnel, and with around 40,000 using the tunnel in 1853, which gave rise for complaints from the iron and steel trades.

I don't know that there is a great deal more to know about 'legging' a boat through a canal tunnel than that really.

I've tried searching but can't find any detailed information.

Hope this helps.

[Miss Johnson]

Have you been to the museum/ shop at Stoke Bruerne? There are loads of books and info available there. Its well worth a visit.