The River Hull and Driffield Navigation is a historic waterway in East Yorkshire, England, with a rich history dating back to the 18th century. It combines both natural and man-made sections, connecting the town of Driffield to the River Hull, which in turn flows into the Humber Estuary. This navigation was originally designed to improve trade routes and transport goods such as agricultural produce, coal, and timber between the inland areas of Yorkshire and the bustling port towns along the Humber.
History
The Driffield Navigation was authorized by an Act of Parliament in 1767, with work completed in stages over the next few decades. It included modifications to the River Hull and the construction of a new canal section, allowing boats to travel further inland. The navigation played a crucial role in the economic development of the Driffield area, fostering growth in local industries. However, like many British waterways, the navigation’s commercial use declined in the 19th and early 20th centuries as railways became the dominant mode of transport.
After years of neglect, sections of the navigation became unnavigable. However, there has been ongoing restoration work to revive the waterway for recreational use, thanks to the efforts of local enthusiasts and organizations such as the Driffield Navigation Trust.
Locks and Structure
The Driffield Navigation features a total of 6 locks, each serving as a critical point for managing the water levels between Driffield and the River Hull. The locks vary in size but were designed to accommodate narrowboats and small trading vessels used during its commercial heyday.
Key locks include:
- Struncheon Hill Lock (also known as Hempholme Lock), which is located on the River Hull itself and regulates access to the tidal sections downstream.
- Whinhill Lock and Snakeholme Lock, which are located further along the Driffield Canal.
Connection to Other Waterways
The River Hull provides a direct connection to the Humber Estuary, one of the largest estuaries in the UK, offering a route to the North Sea and the larger British canal network. Historically, this meant that goods could be transported from Driffield to Hull and then distributed further afield, including to Leeds and Liverpool via the Aire and Calder Navigation, which connects to the Humber at Goole.
Interesting Features
One of the unique aspects of the Driffield Navigation is the combination of both river and canal elements. The natural meanders of the River Hull contrast with the straightened sections of the canal, offering boaters a variety of scenery from open countryside to more intimate wooded stretches.
- The Tophill Low Nature Reserve, located near the River Hull, is an area of interest for wildlife enthusiasts, with a variety of bird species visible from the water.
- Driffield Canal Head is the northern terminus of the navigation and remains a popular spot for mooring and exploring the nearby market town of Driffield.
Despite its decline as a commercial waterway, the River Hull and Driffield Navigation remains a significant part of East Yorkshire’s heritage, offering a peaceful and scenic route for pleasure boating and walking along the restored sections.
Wikipedia Page River Hull – Wikipedia Page Driffield Navigation