This week, a local historian will delve into the fascinating story of a lost Leicestershire waterway. Brian Fare is set to present a talk entitled 'A History of the Melton Navigation' for the Hoby & District Local History Society.
The Birth of a Waterway
The story begins in the late 18th century, a period of rapid industrial expansion. In 1791, an Act of Parliament was passed, authorising the creation of the Melton Mowbray Navigation. This legislation empowered the newly formed Melton Mowbray Navigation Company of Proprietors to make the Rivers Wreake and Eye navigable.
The primary purpose was commercial, aiming to facilitate the transport of essential goods. The Act specifically listed coal, stone, lime, limestone, timber, lead, and all kinds of merchandise as the cargo destined for these new waterways.
Prosperity and the Coming of the Rails
For many decades, the venture proved to be a significant success. The Melton Navigation operated as a healthy business, providing comfortable returns for its investors. It became a vital artery for trade and industry in the region.
However, its fortunes were irrevocably changed by the arrival of a faster, more modern competitor: the railway. The construction of the Syston to Peterborough Railway began to siphon traffic away from the water. This competition triggered a dramatic decline in the canal's use and profitability.
An 18-Month Research Project
In his talk, Brian Fare will guide the audience through the entire lifespan of the navigation, from its inception in the 1790s to its eventual abandonment in 1877. The presentation is the result of extensive research.
Brian, a Melton-based historian with interests in military and local history, developed this talk for the Melton & Oakham Waterways Society. The research was part of an 18-month project into the canal's history, funded by a grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The event is hosted by the Hoby & District Local History Society, a voluntary organisation founded in 2013. The society brings together people interested in the history of Hoby, Rotherby, Ragdale, Brooksby, and the surrounding Leicestershire district.
Event Details:
- Date: Wednesday, January 21
- Time: 7.30pm
- Location: Hoby Village Hall, LE14 3DT
- Admission: All are welcome; £3 for non-members (pay on the door)
For more information, you can visit the society's website at www.hobyanddistricthistory.co.uk.
