Rising in Northamptonshire, the River Nene flows through two more counties – Cambridgeshire and Lincolnshire – before reaching The Wash, passing Northampton, Wellingborough, Thrapston, Oundle, Peterborough and Wisbech on its way to the sea. In the upper reaches, from its source to Thrapston, local folk call it the 'Nen', while downriver the waterway is known as the 'Neen'.
Made navigable from Peterborough to Northampton in 1761, the Nene was linked with the national canal system in 1815. In the past, boats carrying cargoes traded both up and downstream. Nowadays, pleasure boats use the 37 locks between Northampton and Peterborough, while the tidal river is still used by sea-going vessels. Winding through water meadows and shady woodland, the river flows past ancient churches, stately homes, stone-built villages, busy towns and a cathedral city steeped in history. Near the end of its journey, the Nene flows through flat Fenland country till it meets the sea.
In this striking collection of carefully captioned, old photographs, the author vividly reveals life along the Nene in bygone times. The wide variety of waterside scenes, of bridges, boats, locks, staunches and floods - and people - include both lively town and contrasting peaceful village views. This informative and nostalgic excursion along the River Nene will fascinate residents, river users and visitors to the area. It will also be warmly welcomed by all with an interest in England's waterways.
Contents:
List of Illustrations
Acknowledgements
Map of River Nene
Introduction
Northampton
Clifford Hill
Cogenhoe
Earls Barton
Little Irchester
Wellingborough
Higham Ferrers
Irthlingborough
Stanwick
Little Addington
Great Addington
Woodford
Denford
Thrapston
Islip
Titchmarsh
Aldwincle
Wadenhoe
Achurch
Lilford
Pilton
Barnwell
Ashton
Oundle
Cotterstock
Tansor
Perio Mill
Fotheringhay
Warmington
Elton
Nassington
Yarwell
Wansford
Subson
Water Newton
Alwalton
Milton Ferry
Orton Staunch
Woodston
Peterborough
Dog-in-a-Doublet
Thorney
Whittlesey
Guyhirn
March
Upwell
Outwell
Wisbech Canal
Wisbech
Sutton Bridge
River Nene Outfall
Bibliography
Index
