Welcome to the pages of the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust's Museum.

These pages will give you some insight into the way the Kennet and Avon Canal was planned, built and worked during its 200 year history.

Click on a link below to find out more about the Kennet and Avon Canal's rich heritage.

Enjoy an animation showing how a lock on the Kennet and Avon works and streaming videos reflecting the power of Claverton and Crofton pumping stations.

HISTORY OF THE CANAL

• Planning the Canal
  • The Need
  • Alternative Routes
    
    
• Building the Canal
  • Canal Technology
  • Building Methods, their Problems and Solutions
    
    
• Working the Canal
  • The Boats and Barges
  • The Communities
  • The Cargoes
  • Ancillary Trades
    
    
• Decline of the Canal

MULTIMEDIA LINKS

Animated lock gates
. Click here to see how a lock works.
Best viewed with Flash Player

Claverton Pumping Station video
. Click here to view video of Claverton Pumping Station.
Requires Real Player

Crofton Pumping Station video
. Click here to view video of Crofton Pumping Station.
Requires Real Player

Videos produced by Chris Corden with support from the BBC Wiltshire website. Lock animation by Colin Harrison.

SEE FOR YOURSELF!
Sample the delights of the Kennet and Avon Canal and the surrounding countryside with the Trust's series of special Wiltshire heritage walks showing just what the canal has to offer! Click here to find out more.

THE KENNET AND AVON CANAL MUSEUM
Based in Devizes, at the Trust's headquarters, the Museum has much to say about the conception, design, useage and eventual commercial decline of the Kennet and Avon, as well as its subsequent restoration.

The Museum is open whenever the shop is open, usually 10:00 am to 5:00 pm between March and November and 10:00 am to 4:00 pm the rest of the year. The museum is open outside these hours for groups by prior arrangement.

More information: +44 (0)1380 729489.  See the Contact Us page for email addresses.

Click Here For Map

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