Telling the story of life along the Stroudwater Canal based on the most complete archive of a canal's history in the UK.
Places
Photo of Stroudwater Canal Map

Highlights of interest along the towpath.
About

Running for eight miles from the River Severn to Wallbridge, Stroud, the canal was built in the 1770s to bring coal to what was then an important centre for the manufacture of woollen cloth.

Discover how the canal played a vital role in the life of the local community - as it can again when restored for leisure uses.
Canal Life
Photo of Stroud Gas Works

How the canal was built and operated.
Stories & Studies
Photo of Bristol Road Lock Painting

Contributed articles about people, places and events.
Archives
Photo of Articles for Governance

A searchable database with scans of original documents.
Get Involved
Photo of Volunteer at Gloucestershire Archives

How to get the most from the website and get help with research.
News

July 2021: A Short History of the Canal and Sinner or Scapegoat? The rise and fall of the Stroudwater Company's clerk Edward Hains.

June 2021: Who was Who, 1774-1779 listing people involved in creating the Stroudwater Navigation.

May 2021: Location maps added to Heritage Sites. Improved search functionality.
Heritage Sites
Photo of Map for Heritage Sites Tile on Home Page

Historical background to selected sites along the Stroudwater Canal. (In progress)