An Abingdon mystery - ideas please

[Sloe Gin]

Hi Debbie

No, Thame is on the River Thame (I said it was confusing, didn't I!).  The Thame is a tributary of the Thames, joining it near Dorchester.  Whether it was navigable back in the day, I have no idea. 

[behindthefrogs]

There are a number of fairly famous paintings of people boating on the Thame usuall y just up stream from the bridge beyongd which it joins tha Thames.  The backdrop of the bridge seems to have attracted artists.

However the boats seem to be punts or skiffs and so of shallow draft.

David

[Redroger]

You are over a century too early for the railways; however, there were a lot of turnpike roads constructed in the 18th century so that is worth a look, also, there was the widespread digging of the canal system, possibly more likely.

[parryshill]

You would definately have been able to get from Abingdon to Thame, via Dorchester on the water. 

[DebbieG]

Thanks for all the replys - much food for thought there.  It is interesting that the river Thame was navigable to Abingdon at that time Parryshill,  I hadn't realised that,  I think I shall invest in the Thame register transcripts from OFHS and study them in more detail.

 

DebbieG

[behindthefrogs]

Naigation of the Thames in those days must have been an interesting experience.  There were weirs and water mills mostly where the locks are today.  However the locks were all flash locks.  (to be compared with flashfloods)

These consisted of a series of vertical planks which were withdrawn to allow boats to pass.  Fairly easy going down stream but a nightmare to drag a boat through going upstream.  In addition the millers were very reluctant to open their locks and lose the head of water which drove their water wheels.  It must have been a tough job being a navigator.

David