This talk will look at some of the watermills along the River Kennet, before turning to the creation of the Kennet Navigation, the waterway from Reading to Newbury which opened in 1723 in the face of strong opposition. Later came the extension westwards to create the Kennet and Avon Canal, which opened in 1810, with trade expanding until the arrival of the railways. From the middle of the 19th century the canal went into a slow decline, with minimal maintenance, but it stayed open throughout until the 1950s. Since then the story has been one of closure, then campaigning to save and restore the canal, which officially re-opened in 1990.
Please note this talk is taking place at Reading’s Abbey Baptist Church, Abbey Square, Reading RG1 3BE. The venue has disabled access and a disabled toilet.
2.30 - 3.45pm
Tea/coffee and biscuits will be available (included in the price). Pre-booking is preferred, but you can pay on the door, if there are spaces available.
Image: Andrew Smith / The River Kennet, Burghfield / CC BY-SA 2.0
About Berkshire Family History Society
This talk is organised by Berkshire Family History Society CIO, a registered charity number 1204390.
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