The Dearne & Dove Canal in 66

Picturing the Past: NarrowBoat, Spring 2024

An atmospheric image from the Jack Parkinson collection shows the latter days of carrying on this South Yorkshire navigation

Online Transport Archive One thing canal boatyards have in common is their sprawling ramshackle appearance, with old craft lying about in various stages of repair or dereliction. The Swinton yard of Victor Waddington was certainly no different. His boatyard and timberyard were situated in the pound above Lock 2 of the Swinton flight of the Dearne & Dove Canal in South Yorkshire, and his large dock shed is just visible behind the trees in the middle distance. Swinton Bridge can be seen at the top of the flight of four. Running down the right side of the locks is Wharf Street, giving access to road vehicles such as the two mobile cranes. Victor Waddington moved to Swinton in about 1924, working with his father after he took over the boatyard there. Victor started to work independently from his father and over time established himself as a boat-builder and canal carrier. In 1949 the business was incorporated as Ernest V. Waddington Ltd, named after his father. Victor built up…