Bridge 207 Grand Union Canal Bridge built in 1820 Grade II Statutory Listed. In Grand Union Canal and Boston Manor Conservation Area. English Heritage Listing Probably by Thomas Telford. Single span iron footbridge with yellow brick abutments. Dated 1820 and cast at Horseley Iron Works near Birmingham Further Information Carries the Grand Union Canal towpath from the west to the eastern bank at the northern … Continue reading Gallows Bridge
The Butts
Built in 1904 as a community centre for canal families, now a private residence.
Grade II statutory listed.
In Butts Conservation Area.
Boatman’s institute, later house. Built in 1904 for The London City Mission by architect Noel Parr. Arts and Crafts style. Comprised two schoolrooms on the ground floor with living accommodation above. Continue reading “Boatmen’s Institute”
Grand Union Canal, Brentford Built in 1960s as a warehouse, currently derelict and being re-developed. In Grand Union Canal & Boston Manor Conservation Area; Thames Policy Area. History This is a piece of industrial history from the 1960s, formerly known as the Brentford Depot. A freight terminal at which barges and carriers (called lighters) from the Thames and docks, which were too wide for the … Continue reading Overhanging Warehouse
Bridge first built in 1818, with 1901 additions.
In Grand Union Canal & Boston Manor Conservation Area; Thames Policy Area
The first bridge was built over the Brent in 1284. Continue reading “Brentford Bridge”
Bradshaw’s Yard / Workhouse Dock Built in 1800s as docks and remain so. In Grand Union & Boston Manor Conservation Area and Thames Policy Area. History Early wharfs along this stretch on Moses Glover map (1645) were called Ye Pye Wharf, Ye Wolfe Wharf and Ye Whele Wharf. Workhouse Dock is marked on Boston Manor map c.1800. Slipway of particular interest. [mapsmarker marker=”36″] Continue reading Bradshaw’s Yard
Originally used as a dock, this is now an artists studio and boatyard.
In Grand Union & Boston Manor Conservation Area; Thames Policy Area.
At the confluence of the Rivers Thames and Brent and the Grand Union Canal, the area was important historically for the barges that had carried goods to and from Birmingham. Continue reading “Dr Johnson’s Island”
Lots Ait, 41 High Street TW8 0BB Island and Dock In Thames Policy Area History Remains of boat building and repair wharves with dry dock. 2012 restoration with moorings and new bridge. Further Information See John’s Boat Works who currently occupy the ait and Lot’s Ait [mapsmarker marker=”13″] Continue reading Lots Ait
Gauging Lock, Brentford, TW8
Built as a toll house in 1911, this is now a museum.
Grade II statutory listed
In Grand Union Canal & Boston Manor Conservation Area; Thames Policy Area
In the 18th century at the time of early canal travel, goods were carried from the Midlands to London covering 230 miles via the Oxford Canal and the Thames, meeting hold ups of fishing weirs and often floods or droughts on the Thames.
In 1793/4 the Grand Junction Canal Company built a canal to cut down this distance  (as the crow flies it’s only 100 miles). Continue reading “Toll House”
BRENTFORD & CHISWICK TIMES
Friday May 29th 1942
WATERMEN AT WAR
Barges and Canal Boats are Vital Links in Supply Chain
BRENTFORD MEN’S EXPERIENCES.
Through Fires and Bombs Up River in London Blitz
On the late afternoon of September 6th 1940 a solitary pair of boats, frail river craft, moved steadily up the Thames between banks of blazing warehouses, flying masonry, and under a sky noisy with ‘planes and the crash of anti-aircraft fire. The boats’ crew of five, including two Brentford men, were maintaining the slogan ‘Keep Moving’, which river and canal workers have nailed to their masts for the duration. Continue reading “Watermen at War”
The Tithe Map of Brentford in 1841 shows that the area of the town west of Drum Lane (now Ealing Road) was tightly packed buildings between the High Street and Albany Road with open ground beyond. Running north to south is a blue line marking the route of the brook. Parallel with the water course is a narrow road and at a sharp bend there are four cottages later called Brook Terrace. Continue reading “Brook Road South – The Brook”
The History of Brentford 