Oxford Canal Cargoes

Picturing the Past: NarrowBoat, Summer 2025

Although the Oxford Canal is synonymous with coal carrying, many other cargoes were transported. These images highlight two of the lesser-known traffics

A more common cargo was roadstone. Whereas dabbers was a through-cargo for a destination beyond the Oxford Canal, roadstone was delivered at various places along the canal, sometimes at special stone wharves, as well as on the River Thames above and below Oxford. Most of the granite roadstone was from Hartshill, near Nuneaton, where there were several companies such as Judkins Ltd, Jees Hartshill Granite & Brick Co Ltd, Charles Abell Ltd and William Boon. Boat Victory was owned by the latter and was registered in June 1880 for use on the Oxford Canal, although there were occasional trips along the Grand Junction. It is shown about to enter Nell Bridge Lock under Bridge 187 running light northbound, with the horse driver preparing to unpeg the towline, there being no towpath as it crosses over the canal here. Just visible along the hold are the thick heavy planks necessary for unloading the stone with barrows. Victory was mainly operated as a single boat with several different ste…