Welcome to the Official Website of the Bude Canal & Harbour Society
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The BCHS AGM held on Sunday 18th February 2024 there was a presentation by John Puddy, Chairman of The Steamship Freshspring Trust (a Registered Charity), and a model of the cargo ship was on display. The SS Freshspring is an historic steamship built as a water carrier in 1946, and is registered as a Vessel of Historic Importance. She is currently being restored to working order at Bideford. One of the historical images shown of her working life was where she was alongside and supplying pure water for use in the the boilers of an Aircraft Carrier. Consideration is being given to convert her to 'greener' hybrid power with use of Hydrogen and there has been a feasibility study for her use as a passenger ship.
The TUB BOAT is the Society's Newsletter produced four times a year as a printed booklet and emailed to members. Non members can access the previous edition on this website - but to get the new edition as soon as it is available please join the society (details on membership page) Over time The Tub Boat provides a very real archive of the work of the Society including reports, stunning photos and detailed news items.
Amazingly there are over 80 editions available on the site, click on the nearby pics for the latest editions or here to go to the Archived editions pages.History
John Edyvean, a Cornishman, originally conceived the idea of the Bude Canal in 1774 - well over 200 years ago.
Learn More1904 Maps & Notes
8 detailed colour Maps each with information sheet and carefully transacribed Surveyors' Notes.
Learn MoreRegeneration Project & Gallery
Gallery of over 400 photos taken by Chris Jewell during the Restoration of the Canal when it was not accessible to the public.
Learn More18 Bi-Centenary Panels
18 Panels A2 in size for Bi-Centenary Exhibition with great detail now available to view on site or print to A4.
Learn MoreChris Jewell (Chairman BCHS)
BUDE CANAL & HARBOUR SOCIETY
Some elements of this website will only be comfortably viewed on a desktop (very old editions of the Tub Boat, certain map and historical information). We have also tried to include pdfs for downloading (maps, Tub Boat Newsletters etc) . We are working on the site to improve its responsiveness whilst retaining the wealth of information it contains.
Bude Canal - historically a major and vital engineering project - today a wonderful resource for all - tranquility, nature, lovely walks, lots of history - well a delightful easy and free place to explore with all the family - even the next generation in their pushchairs can enjoy the extensive (and quite vocal) wildlife!
The Bude Canal is England’s most westerly major canal but now just a short stretch remains of the original thirty five and a half mile long project constructed 1819 to 1825. Some has been restored and you can also explore on this site the historic maps and fascinating details of the incline planes and industrial heritage.
Discovering the Canal
Maybe a quick FAQ - well some answers anyway
Some pictures of Bude
Join Our Amazing Community
The Society are always keen to welcome new Members - especially younger ones with tons of energy and ideas. The Canal has been around for 200 years and we want to ensure it is kept thriving for another 200 years providing the Community with many opportunities
Important Links
Bude Canal Trust
Bude Harbour consists of a seaward area, known as Budehaven, and an Inner Harbour with a sea lock connecting them which gives access further upstream to the Bude Canal. Harbour Orders relevant to Bude date from 1819 to 1960.
The Harbour Master is employed by Cornwall Council so contact him for all Canal related permissions and information such as locking in boats.
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History, Maps & Project photos
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