It was in July 1939 that Tom Rolt left Tooley's boatyard in Banbury aboard his converted working boat Cressy on his epic voyage around the crumbling midland canals. The result of the cruise was the publication of the classic book Narrow Boat and his observations that led to the creation of the Inland Waterways Association and the revival of the waterways. Tooley's Boatyard is still there, but it'srndoubtful whether Mr Rolt would recognise much else in Banbury today. The lock and one of the liftbridges are still there, but gone are the coal-carrying working boats and the toll office where their cargoes were gauged. The canal in Banbury is now dominated by the Castle Quay Shopping Centre, which is very useful for visiting boats. Tooley's Boatyard is now part of the excellent Banbury Museum and the Mill Arts Centre is close by the lock. Tom Rolt Bridge, just north of the shopping centre, has a plaque to commemorate the great man's voyage from Banbury.
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