A rare horse-drawn narrowboat named Ilkeston is currently on an epic journey across the English countryside. The Ilkeston, built in 1912, is travelling from Ellesmere Port to London to mark its 100th birthday in the same year as the Diamond Jubilee and the Olympics.
Narrow canal boat similar to Ilkeston"
Rare horse-drawn narrowboat named Ilkeston is currently on an epic journey across the English countryside to celebrate centenary.
Ilkeston, built in 1912, has been completely restored to her former colorrful glory thanks to funding from the London Canal Museum and the Heritage Lottery Fund, and the painstaking work of staff, volunteers and trainees in the Heritage Boatyard, at the National Waterways Museum in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire.
Ilkeston’s summer-long journey celebrates her centenary and restoration. It began at her home in Ellesmere Port and covers 200 miles, through over 170 locks, to London along the Shropshire Union and Grand Union Canals, visiting towns and cities along the way.
As she was in her heyday, Ilkeston remains an unpowered craft, so her entire three-month journey will be made under tow by a powered boat instead of the original horses.
Arriving in London on Thursday 23 August, Ilkeston will travel the final leg through Regent’s Park and Camden Locks, being towed as she was first designed to be - by horse – a sight not seen on London’s canals since the 1960s.
Martin Sach, Chair of the Canal Museum Trust commented: “In such an amazing year for Britain, with the Diamond Jubilee and the Olympics, it’s fantastic to be able to welcome Ilkeston back to the water, to celebrate her restoration and the fine industrial heritage that she represents.
“I hope as many people as possible will come along and see her, and enjoy a glimpse of how boats on our waterways looked in years gone by.”
Next stop for Ilkeston as she travels towards London is Hemel Hempstead on July 5 when she will be met by the Mayor of Hemel Hempstead’s representative, Cllr Brian Ayling on the towpath by the Paper Mill pub at 11 am.