From Transport's Golden Ages to an Age of Tourism: L. T. C. Rolt, Waterway Revival and Railway Preservation in Britain, 1944–54

Abstract

This essay considers L. T. C. Rolt's writings and work about waterway revival and railway preservation in Britain between 1944 and 1954. Outlining his life up to 1954, the background to his first book Narrow Boat is discussed and set in context, stressing the working lives of people on the narrow English canals. The consequential founding of the Inland Waterways Association in 1946 and its campaigns to protect waterways for pleasure boating are contrasted with limited attempts to support freight carrying. Rolt's role in the preservation of the narrow gauge Talyllyn Railway in Wales is considered, stressing its difficult reliance upon tourism. The notion of ‘golden ages' is applied to Rolt's visions of waterways and railways, set against contradictory historical evidence; problems with his attempts at conservation are stressed. It is concluded that although Rolt was a significant figure, his visions of conservation were unfulfilled. There remains a need to develop conservation history related to transport and to consider the role of the British middle class and manual labour.