Charles Hadfield’s History 


From the Archives: NarrowBoat, Autumn 2026

Joseph Boughey

Joseph Boughey reflects on the remarkable legacy of Charles Hadfield, whose pioneering work transformed the study of Britain’s inland waterways

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the opening of the National Waterways Museum at Ellesmere Port, the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Inland Waterways Association and, far less noted, the 30th anniversary of the death of Charles Hadfield in August 1996. As most of his solo works are out of print and many have disappeared from library shelves, Charles Hadfield may now be forgotten or unknown by many people. Yet he was a key figure in the writing and publication of waterways history, and also in the making of that history in the late 20th century. Waterway foundations Hadfield’s interest in waterways began gradually and did not proceed from holiday experiences or family enthusiasms. He was born in the Transvaal, in what is now South Africa, and only came to England in 1924. His first encounter was with the Grand Western Canal in Devon, which was already out of use. A solicitor family friend met his curiosity by showing him various documents, along with readings of …