Using text and images, the new site describes in some detail the history of the 200 year-old Kennet and Avon canal.

The site's development has involved help from several groups and organisations, including volunteers and staff from both the Trust and the County Council.

Funding for the project has in turn been provided via the New Opportunities Fund's UK wide digitisation programme.

The first phase of the site consists of a concise history of the planning and building of the K&A canal, how it was commercially developed and used, the boats and barges that operated on it, the people and skills that made it a success and the reasons it eventually fell into decline.

A second phase will describe the history of the canal's restoration and re-birth.

The new web site was launched at the beginning of October at the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust Museum, which is located above the Trust offices at the historic wharf in Devizes.

Acting Trust Chairman Mike Lee said about the Trust's new website: "I think it appears to be a very sound approach to passing on the information to people on the canal.

"There's a great deal to be seen - it's a very interesting canal and what I've seen of the installation so far, they've picked it all up."

Future enhancements include videos of Claverton and Crofton pumping stations and a specially commissioned interactive animation showing the workings of a canal lock.

• Click here to visit the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust Museum website.

Add your comment

shadow
This is so good! infact, it is not! It is great!

oliver
i think it is a interesting canal

claire hunter
i think the canal is very pretty because of my dad

claire
my dad craig is good working on the canal