Severn Stories

The decline of the river as a trade route began with the development of the canal system. The navigation of canals was easier and therefore quicker and cheaper. Return journeys by canal were not hampered by the river current.

On the Severn, barges would be towed back upstream by horse or, prior to the development of towpaths, by gangs of men known as bow haulers. These men would wade through the water pulling the boats.

Despite the hardship of their job the bow haulers long resisted the building of locks to improve the navigation on the Severn because they were worried about their livelihood.