Last Loads to Liverpool

Last Traffic: NarrowBoat, Spring 2026

Christopher M Jones

Chris M. Jones examines Jack Parkinson’s photos of the last coal traffic into Liverpool in the early 1960s

Also taken in May 1962, this image showd seven of Parke’s longboats: three unloaded, three loaded and one moored against the towpath in the process of being unloaded by the works crane, which is about to lift up another grab load. The nearest barge on the right is Clio registered at Liverpool on 17th November 1950. This view looking north shows a large mill on the right on the other side of Athol Street, with a factory in front backing onto the canal, and a garage and tyre depot behind the tall brick wall on the right. The gasworks covered a large area with four gas holders off the image to the left. The distinctive electricity pylon was one of 31 that straddled the canal between Athol Street and Litherland, this one being the most southernmost.…