Berkshire Mugs

Just upstream of Aldermaston Lock is this footbridge which spans the Kennet and Avon Canal linking two areas of housing but there is no access to it from the towpath. Along this stretch canal boats are moored. Just behind us is Aldermaston Lock and Aldermaston Wharf, once a busy industrial area with canal boats loading and unloading cargoes of agricultural goods, coal, wood, groceries and building materials. Here too were the smiths' and carpenters' workshops. A digital pencil drawing from my original photograph.

The scene approaching the lower gates of the lock in the market town of Hungerford in Berkshire, England. This lovely market town, famous for its many antique shops has the Kennet and Avon Canal flowing through its centre. The lock at the eastern end of Hungerford Wharf was originally built between 1718 and 1723 under the supervision of John Hore of Newbury. The canal, 87 miles long was constructed in 1794 -1810 to link Bristol with the River Thames at Reading giving a direct link to London.

The towpath by the Kennet and Avon Canal leading eastwards into the town of Hungerford in West Berkshire, England. During the mid 1800s, this was a thriving industrial area lined with canalside industrial buildings. Boats would have been busy loading and unloading goods such as Bath stone for building the new mansions in London. The canal was constructed between 1794 and 1810 to link the Thames at Reading with Bristol, enabling goods to be transported smoothly from London to Bristol. Nikon D7100 Nikkor 18-200

A group of thatched cottages clustered round the church in Sulhamstead Abbots, West Berkshire, England. They are C16th Grade II listed buildings. This quiet village is just to the south of the busy A4 or Bath Road which here runs between Reading and Newbury. St Mary's church, which has a distinctive white weatherboarded belfry, is largely C12th and is a grade 1 listed building. The village and the church are on the edge of high ground surrounded by farmland and overlook the Kennet valley. Nikon D7100 Nikkor 18-200

The footbridge over the River Kennet next to Greenham Lock near Newbury, Berkshire. The bridge forms the entrance to a boatyard and dry dock. This section of the canal - or navigation (combined river and canal) began its construction in 1718 under the supervision of engineer John Hore of Newbury and in 1724 the section between Reading and Newbury was opened The remainder of the Kennet and Avon to join Bristol and Reading was built between 1794 and 1810. It was fully reopened in 1990.

The parish church of St Lawrence at Hungerford in Berkshire, England. The church is just to the west of the town next to the swing bridge crossing the Kennet and Avon Canal. It was totally rebuilt in 1814 in the Regency Gothic Revival style using Bath Stone which was transported along the canal. Further refurbishment then took place in the mid 1800s. The canal itself was constructed between 1794 and 1810 to link the cities of Bristol and London, joining the Thames at Reading,

The towpath by the Kennet and Avon Canal leading eastwards into the town of Hungerford in West Berkshire, England. During the mid 1800s, this was a thriving industrial area lined with canalside industrial buildings. Boats would have been busy loading and unloading goods such as Bath stone for building the new mansions in London. The canal was constructed between 1794 and 1810 to link the Thames at Reading with Bristol, enabling goods to be transported smoothly from London to Bristol. Nikon D7100 Nikkor 18-200

The Kennet and Avon Canal as it passes through the town of Newbury in Berkshire. This image, captured during an afternoon in early February is just upstream from the Town Lock. On the right is the site of West Mills reminding us that Newbury was a centre for agriculture and for textile manufacture. The canal itself was constructed between 1794 and 1810 to provide smooth transport between Bristol and London via Reading. It was fully restored from the mid 1900s, being fully reopened in 1990. Nikon D7100 Nikkor 18-200

A canal boat moored just below Aldermaston Lock on the Kennet and Avon Canal. This is known as a 'winding hole' where narrowboats as long as 72 feet can turn round. The building on the left was once Strange's Brewery - giving the lock its alternative name - Brewery Lock. The area here is called Aldermaston Wharf and was once a hive of industry with boats loading and unloading their cargoes. Now it's busy with leisure traffic!

The wooden swing bridge on the Kennet and Avon Canal near the village of Sulhamstead in Berkshire, found on the stretch of water between Tyle Mill and Theale. There are a number of swing bridges along the canal, some like this one linking two fields, enabling livestock to be moved from one to the other. The K&A dates from the early 18th century when it was constructed to link the River Avon in the west to the River Kennet in the east so that boats could travel between Bristol and London.

A digital art image from my original photograph of Boston Belle and other narrowboats moored on the banks of the Kennet and Avon Canal at Aldermaston Wharf in West Berkshire, about a mile from Aldermaston village. This is the scene just above the lock which in its heyday as an industrial waterway would have been a hive of activity with boats loading and unlosding their cargoes. Here also would have been forges and stables for the towing horses.

Early February in the churchyard of St Laurence Church in the village of Tidmarsh, West Berkshire. A carpet of snowdrops is starting to flower next to the pathway leading to the south porch. This lovely old C12th church has a superbly decorated Norman doorway within the porch; a Norman font, C13th lancet windows - two with the remains of medieval wall paintings and some rare floor tiles. The image has a pencil art finish.

A busy scene at Heale's Lock, no.93, on the Kennet and Avon Canal near Woolhampton in Berkshire, England. This lock was originally constructed as a turf sided lock between 1718 and 1723 under the supervision of the engineer John Hore of Newbury. It was rebuilt with brick sides in the late 1980s when the canal was undergoing complete restoration.The K&A was built between 1794 and 1810 to link the Kennet and Avon rivers, providing a smooth transport link between Bristol and London via Reading.

The Town Lock at Newbury in West Berkshire on a sunny autumn day. This is the view as you join the towpath on the western side of Town Bridge (or The Water Bridge). Here the Kennet divides, the left fork heading to the old West Mills (now housing) whilst steer right to take you through the lock and onwards towards Bath and Bristol. The lock itself dates from 1796 and is Grade 2 listed. It has a rise/fall of 3ft 6in (0.07m).

Looking upstream from the top gate of Kintbury Lock on the Kennet and Avon Canal in West Berkshire. The Lock is close to the centre of Kintbury village which lies between Newbury and Hungerford. Ahead of us the canal leads to Hungerford, Bath and Bristol while behind us are Newbury, Reading and the Thames. This image was captured on quite a busy autumn afternoon.

A sudden flurry of activity on an autumn afternoon at Kintbury Lock on the Kennet and Avon Canal in West Berkshire. A boat has just emerged from the lock to carry on travelling upstream towards Newbury, Bath and Bristol, passing moored boats on the way. The waterway passes through the village here - almost through the centre! Tranquil now but once a hive of industrial activity with working boats carrying such goods as Bath stone for the grand buildings in London.

The wooden swing bridge on the Kennet and Avon Canal near the village of Sulhamstead in Berkshire, found on the stretch of water between Tyle Mill and Theale. There are a number of swing bridges along the canal, some like this one linking two fields, enabling livestock to be moved from one to the other. The K&A dates from the early 18th century when it was constructed to link the River Avon in the west to the River Kennet in the east so that boats could travel between Bristol and London.

The Curfew Tower at Windsor Castle seen from the Eton bank of the River Thames in Berkshire. Windsor Castle is the largest and oldest occupied castle in the world and is the 'weekend residence' of the Queen and Royal Family. The original castle was a Norman motte and bailey construction - part of a ring of such castles encircling London. Later, King Henry I used it as a residence. This tower, originally built in the 1220s was used as a belfry from 1477 - granted by Edward IV.Eight bells hang there dating from 1612 to 1898. However, the building as we see it now is the result of Victorian restoration. Nikon D7100 Nikkor 18-200

The view from Aldermaston Lock downstream to Aldermaston Wharf on the Kennet and Avon Canal in West Berkshire. Just below the lock is the winding hole - big enough to be able to turn a 72ft narrowboat, Beyond that is the lift bridge carrying the A340 from the A4 Bath Road to Basingstoke. The Wharf was once a hive of industry, busy with canal boats loading and unloading cargoes. Here were also the workshops necessary to maintain the waterway. A digital pencil drawing from my original photograph.

A narrowboat passing through the lower gates of Aldermaston Lock on the Kennet and Avon Canal in the late afternoon. The lock is at Aldermaston wharf, a mile or so north of Aldermaston village in West Berkshire. Now peaceful, the Wharf was once a hive of activity with boats being loaded and unloaded with coal, building stone, agricultural implements and foodstuffs. Here were also the carpenters and smiths necessary for the running of the canal. A digital drawing from my original photograph.

Clear and beautiful reflections in the water of the Kennet and Avon Canal at Aldermaston Wharf in West Berkshire, about a mile from Aldermaston village. This is the scene just above the lock which in its heyday as an industrial waterway would have been a hive of activity with boats loading and unlosding their cargoes. Here also would have been forges and stables for the towing horses. The building in the background was once a brewery.

The Weavers Cottages stand on the towpath of the Kennet and Avon Canal in Newbury, Berkshire, just upstream from West Mills. Newbury was once famous for its cloth making with both the wool and finished product being transported along the canal by narrow boat.

A swan family on the grassy slope of the wharf near the town centre of Hungerford in Berkshire, England.This lovely market town, famous for its many antique shops has the Kennet and Avon Canal flowing through its centre. In the mid 1800s the wharf area would have been a hive of activity with boats loading and unloading at the industrial buildings here The canal, 87 miles long, was constructed in 1794 -1810 to link Bristol with the River Thames at Reading giving a direct link to London.

The towpath running alongside the Kennet and Avon Canal between Hungerford in Berkshire and Marlborough in Wiltshire, England, captured on a sunny autumn afternoon. The Kennet and Avon Canal was constructed between 1794 and 1810 to link the Thames at Reading with Bristol, enabling goods to be transported from London to Bristol. It fell into disuse due to the Great Western Railway but was and reopened in 1990 and is once more busy - now with leisure craft.

The Kennet and Avon Canal at Aldermaston Wharf in West Berkshire. Beautifully peaceful now with a visitors' centre and teashop but once this was a hive of industry! The scene would have been busy with the wide Kennet boats loading and unloading their cargoes of farm goods, coal, building stone etc. Here were also the carpenters so necessary for maintaining the locks and bridges as well as forges for shoeing the boats' horses. Now a boat yard services leisure craft.

The Town Bridge, or as it is known locally, The Water Bridge, crossing the Kennet and Avon Canal in the centre of Newbury in Berkshire, England. The River Kennet was made navigable from Reading to Newbury in the early 1700s under the supervision of the engineer John Hore of Newbury, work commencing in 1718. It was extended further west to Hungerford in 1798. The bridge probably dates from this period. The canal was finally opened to connect with Bristol in 1810.

The main street - called The Street - in the village of Tidmarsh, West Berkshire. Here we see old brick and tile cottages with the Georgian village pump at the end of the row. Beyond this the later houses have fine, tall chimneys apparently in the style of Lutyens. The road itself, the A340 is thought to be an old Roman road leading from Silchester to Dorchester-on-Thames, both important Roman towns. The village mill was once lived in by Lytton Strachey and the Bloomsbury Set.

The scene looking eastwards along the River Thames from the road bridge at Goring-on-Thames on the Oxfordshire/Berkshire border. A variety of river boats are moored along the towpath which is part of the Thames Path long-distance trail. A launch is heading towards to lock and a couple of paddle boarders are moving downstream. Here the Thames flows through the Goring Gap between the Chiltern Hills and the North Wessex Downs.

The south side of St Laurence's church in the village of Tidmarsh, Berkshire, England. This lovely old C12th church has a superbly decorated Norman doorway within the porch; a Norman font, C13th lancet windows - two with the remains of medieval wall paintings and some rare floor tiles. The wooden bell cote is supported inside by sturdy oak beams intricately carved - apparently by the wife of a vicar in the C19th. A path by the church leads to the River Pang flowing to join the Thames at Pangbourne.

A narrowboat heads upstream on the Kennet and Avon canal near Woolhampton in Berkshire, England. This image was captured on an autumn afternoon with the trees lining the banks turning to gold. The Kennet and Avon Canal, 87 miles long, was constructed between 1794 and 1810 to link the Kennet and Avon rivers and thus provide a smooth transport link between Bristol and London via Reading. It fell into disuse due to the Great Western Railway but was completely restored and reopened in 1990.

Canal boats - including cruisers and narrowboats moored along the banks of the Kennet and Avon Canal just above Aldermaston Lock in Berkshire. This is the view as seen from the towpath. Below the lock is Aldermaston Wharf which was once busy with working boats loading and unloading cargoes of stone, coal, agricultural goods and produce and groceries. Since restoration in the second half of the 1900s and the reopening of the waterway in 1990, most boats are now for leisure or are lived in.

A digital coloured pencil drawing olf a scene on the Kennet and Avon Canal just above Padworth Middle Lock. A rather neglected narrow boat sits listing in the water waiting to be restored at the nearby boat yard. Peaceful now, but once this would have been a hive of industry with boats loading and discharging cargoes at the nearby Aldermaston Wharf. The canal, completed in 1810, allowed the smooth transport of goods between Bristol and London via the Thames at Reading.

Spring flowers are scattered through the fresh green grass in the churchyard at St Laurence church at Tidmarsh in Berkshire, England. This Grade 1 listed C12th church with its unusual wooden bell cote has a superbly decorated Norman doorway, a Norman font and C13th lancet windows. The box pews lead to an unusual polygonal apse. There are also traces of C13th wall paintings in two window recesses. Just beyond the church the River Pang flows on its way to join the Thames at Pangbourne.

The scene looking east approaching the top gate of Hungerford Town Lock. This is on the Kennet and Avon Canal very near the centre of the town of Hungerford in West Berkshire, England. The Kennet and Avon Canal, 87 miles long, was constructed between 1794 and 1810 to link the Kennet and Avon rivers and thus provide a smooth transport link between Bristol and London via Reading. It fell into disuse due to the Great Western Railway but was completely restored and reopened in 1990.

The River Kennet, here part of the Kennet and Avon Canal, flowing eastwards through the centre of Newbury in Berkshire, England - on its way to join the Thames at Reading. Here it has just passed through the Town Lock and is flowing under the Town, or Water Bridge as it is known. Newbury, now the administrative centre of West Berkshire, was, in medieval times, famous as a centre for making woollen cloth. The K&A canal seen here was finally opened between Reading and Bristol in 1810.

Looking upstream from the road bridge to Goring over the River Thames at Streatley. On the left are the newly refurbished buildings of the Swan Hotel. Its origins date from the C17th when it was apparently opened by the first owner, Francis Swan. In 1970 it was famously bought by Danny La Rue. The present owners have recently extensively refurbished it. The Thames path skirts the hotel before continuing along the river bank to Cleeve Lock and on to Wallingford.