Navigating the River Wey is a journey through time. The River Wey Navigation whispers tales of ingenuity and bygone eras. It’s a waterway steeped in history, connecting Godalming to the Thames at Weybridge. Before the 17th century, the River Wey meandered, making it unsuitable for transport. Sir Richard Weston, inspired by canals in the Netherlands and Belgium, envisioned a transformative project. He saw the potential to create a navigable route to the Thames. Transporting goods by road was arduous. Wagons could only carry a ton or two. Weston’s plan included locks to manage elevation changes and weirs to control water levels. This ambitious undertaking required nine miles of canals to link sections of the river. Twelve locks, weirs, wharves, and bridges were constructed. Around 200 navvies completed the work in just two years. The River Wey Navigation opened in 1653. The total cost was £16,000, a staggering sum at the time. Sadly, Sir Richard died in 1652, never witnessing his vision come to life. Barges carrying 30 tons, drawn by horses, transported goods between London and Guildford. Oak traveled downstream for shipbuilding, while corn returned upstream for mills along the waterway. The Great Fire of London in 1666 boosted the Navigation’s importance. Vast quantities of timber were transported to London for rebuilding. In 1760, work began to make the four miles to Godalming navigable. This expansion included 1 1/2 miles of canal, four locks, and two wharves, completing the River Wey and Godalming Navigations by 1764. The River Wey Navigation remains a testament to Sir Richard Weston’s vision. It’s a tranquil escape where you can glide through history.
Центральный дом работников искусств
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