The selection, analysis and interpretation of historical ‘facts’ always takes place within a paradigm, a model of how the world works. That’s why history is always a battleground, declares the Marx Memorial Library
100 years ago – when the Braunston canal families went on strike
NICK MATTHEWS looks back to the historic 14-week dispute which was to form a significant early test for the then-recently formed Transport and General Workers Union
At Braunston the Grand Union Canal and the Oxford Canal meet, making this a very important location for the canal network, turn left for the Oxford Canal towards Coventry or right for the Grand Union to London
[Stephen McKay/Creative Commons]
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THE canal at Braunston, where the Grand Union Canal and the Oxford Canal meet, is the busiest place anywhere on the British canal network.
It is a splendid rural setting, with the boats of Braunston marina and in the pretty village of Braunston up on the hill where All Saints Church, otherwise known as the “Cathedral of the Canals,” has overlooked the village and the villagers for over 10 centuries and the canals and the boat people for over 300 years.
The Canals and River Trust is based in the old “Stop House” — the old building that was used to collect tolls from passing freight boats.
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