THE RIVER TRENT

Cruising the River Trent provides some of the most interesting and exciting boating on the British Inland Waterways. Tackling the tideway requires a good deal of preparation, and this DVD guides you on what is required to do it safely.

The river is interesting from a historical standpoint too. It's been an important transport route since the bronze age. The Romans recognised it as an major trade route, and the Danes used it to invade us. The first Trent Navigation Act was passed in 1699 to improve the navigation from the Humber right the way up to Burton on Trent. Eighty years later, the Trent & Mersey Canal linked to it at Shardlow near Long Eaton and it's here that we begin our journey.

In 1783 a further Act was passed allowing the construction of a towpath, enabling the passage of sail-less barges. At around that time, the first locks and weirs were built, increasing the depth, but it wasn't until the 1920s that the programme of lock-building was completed to recreate the navigation that we know today. Delightfully filmed and well researched, this programme uncovers a wealth of interest in Nottingham, Newark, Gainsborough and the many villages that we pass along the way.

DVD Info

Region: 2
Running Time: 57 minutes