Another question for someone with local knowledge, I hope. On one census, my ancestors are living in Bye Street & it seems that not far away there are people living on boats. I can't see any waterway on a modern map near Bye Street but I wondered if anyone knew if there was once a canal at the end of Bye Street. It might help me establish an approximate position for the house where my ancestors lived.

Thanks... Judy

Hi Judy

Just had a Google, and there was a canal which ran through Ledbury.

http://www.bsswebsite.me.uk/Local-history/led_canalrail.htm

"Excavation of the final section of the canal began on the 17th November 1839. By April 1840, 500 men were employed at Priors Court embankment on the Hereford side of Ledbury and on the 22nd February, 1841 the first boat load of coal arrived at Bye St, Ledbury".

This closed c1883 and part of the route was taken over to use as a railway line. The canal is currently being restored.

Hi

On the Dymock golf course there are two water hazards called the canal. It runs along side rhe 3rd and then across the 8th fairway.

Used to be in it quite a few times

Pete

You may wish to know that restoration of the canal is well underway and is well worth a visit.

http://www.h-g-canal.org.uk/

The official title for the canal was Herefordshire & Gloucestershire Canal Navigation Company, the canal was actually known simply as Hereford & Gloucester.