Abbot Earlier Days at Bewdley

摘要

It is difficult to imagine the days when Bewdley was an important port on the river Severn. We can boat up the river without difficulty as far as Stourport, and even a little further upstream until we start grounding near Ribbesford. If there is an unusually good depth of water, we might get as far as Bewdley itself, but the strength of the current accompanying such a flush of water would tax many an engine, making it impossible to maintain headway. The accompanying picture, painted by a little-known artist named Edward Abbot, is a clear indication that Bewdley was being well used in 1776 for transporting goods of various kinds. The picture, which is in oils and measures about 3ft 8in by 2ft 11in, is owned by Bewdley Museum, whose Curator has kindly given permission for it to be reproduced in Waterways World.