The National Waterways Museum Stoke Bruerne is located in a restored corn mill situated alongside the Grand Junction Canal. You can easily imagine what life was like during the 1840s when it was a working mill receiving cargo from boats on the canal.
The museum features examples of canal painted-ware and the type of clothing work by boat men and women.
Outside the museum you can see a Weighing Machine, one of only three ever constructed. The Weighing Machine was used to calculate how much cargo each boat held by taking the weight of each boat away from the weight loaded.
There is also an audio trail which takes you along the towpath to the historic Blisworth Tunnel, explaining the history behind what you can see around you.
The Canal
The canal was constructed under the supervision of William Jessop, probably greatest canal builder. Work started on the canal in 1793 and the stretch through Stoke Bruerne was completed in 1804.
Providing a direct route from London to Birmingham, the canal, which literally cuts Stoke Bruerne in two, forms the heart of the village and is still well used today.
The corn mill, which is now home to the National Waterways Museum Stoke Bruerne, was developed during the 1840s and was still working up until the early 20th century.
The Blisworth Tunnel
The Blisworth Tunnel, which can be found further along the towpath from the museum, is a mile and three quarters in length.
Until the advent of steam tugs, the only way of getting through the tunnel was by ‘legging’ the boat. Leggers worked for the Grand Junction Canal Company and wore official brass armbands with the company number on, you can see examples on display in the museum.
The tunnel was closed in 1977 following the discovery of faults. Following extensive repair work totalling £4.5 million, the tunnel re-opened in 1984.
You can find out more about the Bliswoth Tunnel through the special exhibition in the museum which was developed to celebrate the bicentenary of the original opening of the tunnel.
