| Although mentioned in the Doomsday book
of 1086, Braunston remained just a rural farming community, the Manor
being a major working farm house with stables, stockyard and
outbuilding, until the late 1700’s. All changed with the construction of
the canal, the main transport network of that time. Braunston became the
main central point of this canal system. Important at last! Although
commercial canal traffic finished in the 1960’s Braunston is now very
busy with leisure boats, accompanying tourists and related businesses.
A canalside walk will take you past Chandlers, boat builders/fitters,
souvenir shops and the Old Pump House with its enormous chimney. This
Pump House in times past was used for restocking the top canal pounds
with water form the bottom pound Reservoirs now used as moorings for the
numerous narrow boats stationed here.
A must to visit is the Marina, extensively restored with new
warehouse style accommodation. All historical equipment and buildings
have been beautifully repainted. This is now indeed one of the most
impressive inland Marinas in England. |
