A Genealogical Journey

Tuesday, 28 September 2010 10:33

Family History Sites

As well as today's destination being Epiphany's birthplace (Colecraft of Long Itchington), this area is another of those where Fi's ancestor's lived - it's unfortunate she's not around to revisit them at the moment. At least I can post some pictures of the canal where her family must have probably walked to see the working boats rushing up the locks.

Our starting place today was Radford Semele, where Fi's great, great, great, great grandparents John HITCHCOCKS and Sarah HADDLEDON were married on 3rd November 1796. If you click on their link, you will see their family history details.

Sadly the church was almost destroyed by fire in an arson attack on Palm Sunday 2008; there is a picture of this here. Today it is shrouded in a large white cassock (photo courtesy of Gill from narrowboat Petroc).

There is a picture of the Church as it was here and you can keep up to date with the St.Nicholas Church Restoration here.

Back to our journey, towards Long Itchington, where John & Sarah lived at Top Green, according to the 1841 Census. First lock was Radford Bottom Lock. It was a misty morning, which was to turn into a wet, drizzly one, only clearing once we had neared the last of the locks, so picture quality is not good - a shame considering some of the autumnal colurs. Geoff was to be star of the day, with his ever present accomplice Barney, (I'll let you work out which is which!) walking a total of 3 miles from bottom to top locks and working all 10 with only minimal help from me.

Petroc paused for a fill and empty at Fosse Wharf, and I waited at the bottom of the lock, clearing the season's deposits from one side of the roof.

I remembered this lovely house at Welsh Lock, with it's beatifully contrasting weeping willow and copper beech.

and finally, another memory, the Bascote flight of 4, including 2 staircase locks.

Finally, the locks were complete; thanks Geoff, job well done - now for a coffee!

And after a gentle cruise, a mooring at Long Itchington, with a satellite TV signal:

Grand Union Canal: Radford Semele to Long Itchington
3hours 39minutes, 4.37 miles, 10 Locks