Boats of the Eastern Leeds & Liverpool

Historical Profiles: NarrowBoat, Summer 2024

Christopher M Jones

Chris M. Jones looks at some of the wide-beam craft that once worked the L&L in Yorkshire

Taken by Jack Parkinson in 1966 at Castleford Lock on the Aire & Calder Canal, motor barge Henry Hunt is running light along the Castleford Cut towards Goole. Although not depicting the Leeds & Liverpool, the image highlights the important connection Leeds had with the Humber trade. Motor barge Henry Hunt was built by Richard Dunston Ltd at Hessle, formerly the yard of Henry Scarr until 1932, and it was registered at Leeds in May 1934 for John Hunt & Sons Ltd. It was 73ft 6in long by 15ft 7in wide, and could carry 52 tons, powered by a 90bhp engine. This firm of John Hunt & Sons Ltd dates back to 1860. Prior to that, John Hunt was an agent for the Leeds & Liverpool Canal Carrying Co at Canal Wharf, Leeds. After setting up his own business as a limestone merchant, he still maintained his position as an agent for the L&L. Over time he was joined by his sons trading as John Hunt & Sons, limestone merchants, canal-carriers, hay, straw and horse corn dealers. B…