How to Turn The River Ouse into a CANAL.
Вставка
- Опубліковано 18 вер 2024
- Welcome to Sussex and welcome to A Navigation as opposed to a Canal. Yup its largely abandoned, so we thought we would come along and tell its story. We travel from Newhaven up the Ouse towards Balcombe and find out how the Navigation helped build the railways and ultimately added to its own demise.
Paul and Rebecca Whitewick travel around the country in search of long abandoned Landscapes and transport routes telling their story along the way.
If you like what we do, please do consider any of the following ways to support the channel.
Join this channel to get access to perks:
/ @pwhitewick
You two inspired me to start walking around more and as a result I have lost nearly 4 stone in weight since December!
Thank you!
Good onya.👍
@@jonnawyatt Thank you 👋
Wow. That's impressive going. Well done 🙂👍
@@pwhitewick ❤
I’m impressed at the amount of extra walking you must do to get the shots of you walking. You both must have great arms carrying your cameras at arms length. 😁 Thank you for all your work.
3:06 that is a winch for getting boats in and out. The bridge was opened by capstan and a pole inserted into the winding key thing in the surface of the bridge
4:30 that area often floods. Most winters. There was a mill and siding there which ran to the Uckfield line at Barcombe Mills Station about 300yds away.
6:10 the church is there because of the manor and also the confluence of the Uck and Ouse just near there. The modern village is around the railway and is mostly Victorian. Did you see the village "pound" where stray animals were captured and kept in until the owners paid a fine? Cattle jail basically!
13:10 that is the Newhaven to Dieppe ferry. Newhaven Port is reasonably active, two ferries a day and various aggregate ships and scrap metal ships
Shame you didn't see everything and Paul got the grump! As I promised I will email you with some opportunities for videos in the area that I know can be accessed, especially in the lower part of the valley from Lewes to Newhaven...
Couldn't believe they didn't know of the Newhaven Dieppe ferry...
@@cockneyse well, Paul and Rebecca aren't local to Sussex.... I'm sure there are plenty of ports around the UK that if I saw a ferry in I wouldn't necessarily know where it was headed
Your 6.10 point - there's one of them at Milltown /Ashover /Derbyshire, just cross the road from the Milltown Arms pub, sheepfold I believe its called.
Paul & Rebecca - Lovely to see you both visiting us here in East Sussex - A couple of things relating to this video in particular: a few years ago a friend of ours was involved in trying to renovate a section of the Ouse navigation by rebuilding one of the locks near Isfield, but the project came to a halt through a lack of funds and volunteers (I don't know whether they managed to finish rebuilding just one of the many locks!). We can recommend the Laughing Fish pub at Isfield - well worth a visit. And finally down the hill from Scaynes Hill towards the river you'll find The Sloop Inn, so called because of the 'sloops' which moored on the Ouse just down from the pub (the Bluebell Railway runs through the valley here as well).
Thanks David, very useful. We will definitely be back!
Very interesting stuff, Paul and Rebecca. This is close to my part of the world. :) A friend is the vicar at Isfield!
Re land ownership issues, around isfield and Uckfield, much of the land is owned by the notorious Nicolas van Hoogstraten who has half built this enormous mansion outside uckfield (Hamilton palace - have a google!) and he’s notorious for blocking footpaths across his land (and many other things!)
I have always wondered how any of the Ouse was ever really navigable but I suspect the ravages of time have removed so much of its canalisation.
There is a trust seeking to restore it, the Sussex Ouse restoration trust and I believe they have restored a lock near Isfield.
Thanks Matt. fascinating stuff. We shall look up this Van Hoogstraten!
That's a name I recall from the news broadcasts of the past.
@@pwhitewick A deeply unpleasant man- a description which he would probably enjoy. Last I'd heard, he'd gone to live in Zimbabwe, as he was something to do with Mugabe, but that was quite a few years ago, following a much publicized court case, where he was convicted of manslaughter after taking out a contract on a business rival. In and out of court and prison all his life. I've trespassed on his land in Uckfield many times just for the sake of it, because people like him don't scare me, in fact I rather pity his miserable being😁
Also, thank you for your videos. Spring is such a wonderful time, my favourite time. I ran through a local bluebell wood, leaping over a stream so pure, watercress grew in it. Now I have a neurological condition which leaves me bedridden and in a great deal of pain. Your videos allow me to see the wild flowers and everything I once walked around. I don't write of my condition to reap sympathy, rather to let you know the curative power you allow me.🙏💐
There IS a lot to see I managed to visit many locks and other features in the 1980s. What a shame it's less accessible now... I will treasure the photos I do have from so many years ago. I even saw the last remains of wooden lock gates at one location in the upper stretches.
Hi guys - your in my back garden again! Barcombe is lovely, in fact the whole area is.I believe there is an organisation trying to reinstate the locks. Also there is local objections to filling in bridges around there, and rightly so!. The best view in my mind of the Barcombe viaduct is from the coffee shop at Cuckfield golf club - just pop in and grab a drink and cake.As an aside its pronounced BALLCOOM -great story and video
Sp. Barcombe viaduct = Balcombe viaduct
@@MichaelWilliams-ub3ow Correct
Paul & Rebecca the World Renowned UA-camrs you mean to say.
Very authentic personal report(ing). Especially with the grumpiness. Nothing to apologise for, nothing to complain about. Except, well, for the private land being private for the sake of it.
The wooden structures are called cutwaters and are intended to stop scouring of the bridge piers.
Here in the American Midwest on the Mississippi we would call them fenders and shear fences. They were meant to deflect vessels that would otherwise hit the bridge piers and swingspan.
The “weird and wonderful” wooden structures at 02:40 are not to do with the bridge itself, but to guide boats away from the piers and striking the structure
There is an old lock chamber in Sheffield Park Gardens ( National Trust ). You can stand in the base of it and admire the brickwork
Iron gates lock.
Just a mile from the riverside that you walked, is the house of Virginia and Leonard Woolf. Racked by depression, on the 28th March 1941, the former put on her overcoat, filled the pockets with stones and walked into the river and drowned. Her body was not recovered until 18th April. Her ashes were buried by her husband at their cottage, Monks House, just 20 minutes walk from that rickety bridge that carries the South Downs way across the Ouse. A sad tale about the end one of one of the key members of the Bloomsbury Set.
On a slightly brighter note, two parts of your trip coincided with two of a triplet of decade birthday walks that I did with a friend of mine. On his sixtieth, we, and a group of friends, set out on a three day 60 mile walk along the South Downs Way starting from Eastbourne and ending in Fittleworth, and crossing that little bridge. A decade later we were to take a five day 70 mile walk, starting at Tonbridge Wells, and also ending in Fittleworth by way of that magnificent railway viaduct in the Ouse Valley, neatly joining his place of birth with that of his retirement. The route featured some lost railways and the Wey and Arun.
In principle, in 2025 we ought to be starting out on an 80 mile 8 day trek. Maybe along some nice, flat old railway line...
I don't normally comment on these things, but you two are great presenters, it's always informative, and a pleasure to watch. Long may your videos continue.
I'm a Newhaven boy, and you did honour to my native part of the world, for which, I thank you. I could now type 100000 words on the subject; but you might be better off waiting for m'new book, out next year. x
We shall look forward to it of course Sir.
@ 3:44. Love the bread rolls the guy has attached to his head.
Another really interesting video and we feel your frustrations at being unable to get close to the canal! Thank you both as always for an enjoyable Sunday walk.
Shame about the "No go areas" of Sussex. I am sure as a child it would not have stopped me.
We have a River Ouse passing through Bedford ,which eventually finds its way to the Wash , and Smeaton built a bridge near Cardington .
"The Balcombe Estate, No Entry, Firearms in use" sign would make me feel exceedingly grumpy. Stay safe P&R.
That sign could be illegal, even if the landowner has a firearms certificate. But I bet the landowner thinks he's in America and is best friends with a local senior police officer...
There was (35 years ago!) the chamber of a lock just across the road from the Sloop Inn at Scaynes Hill. Used to be one of my favourite pubs in Sussex, their website shows it is still open with an excellent menu, must try to visit next time I am in the south of England.
Freshfield Lock
Paul, again an amazing amount of research and reminds me again why Industrial History at school was so interesting. Thank you!
When I was a child we had such fun helping coal barges through the various locks on the canal that ran through the end of our village. I adore viaducts, they're the most beautiful creations.
Its great to get out and about in the country with you two. All videos much appreciated. The history content is so valuable. Please keep them coming.
We will!
Good job considering the problems with private land
Well done
For me one of the most fascinating realisations, was that John Urpeth Rastrick (civil engineer for the construction of the line and the viaduct) was instrumental in the decision to conduct the Rainhill Trials. Indeed Rastrick was one of three judges that selected "Rocket" as the winner.
Quite a lot of railway interest in Newhaven as well. Remains of a proper Harbour Station, the quays both sides had a railway connection which ran over the old bridge and kept Brighton Terriers in gainful employment because they were light enough to use the lines. Great video as ever.
Yes (Newhaven), but a job for life… 🙄
Hello Paul and Rebecca. Please accept my grateful thanks for your wonderful programmes. Your good selves and the quality of your video’s are exceptional. Derek.
Our pleasure! Thank you.
Another informative video Paul and Rebecca. We used to live in Horsham before escaping to the wilds of north Herefordshire, so know the area quite well. One of my favourite views of the viaduct is from Nymans Gardens. A bit distant, but you get to appreciate it in the context of the surrounding landscape.
Another interesting one. Many thanks
Really glad I found your videos a few weeks ago, inspired me to get out and exploring myself
Thanks guys for another brilliant video! I enjoyed it even though you were hampered by so many ‘Private keep out’ signs! Never mind Paul, what we saw was really great and as usual very interesting and informative! Thanks again Paul and Rebecca, look forward to next Sundays video!
Great video. I love the way she gently steadies the ship. The best laid plans .. eh Paul? What isn’t under your control is just that. Always love to see you two. Looking forward to that upcoming summer as well!
She is the anchor.
You're very close by my neck of the woods with this one. Really interesting to see all those places from a different perspective. I've always found that viaduct impressive and is a fantastic view from the train as well.
I have JUST resubscribed to your channel after upgrading my phone. For some reason none of my bookmarks made the trip from my old phone. Fortunately, there is a bit of name similarity... and Rebecca's beauty and cheerful personality.
A lot of walking on this one ! Enjoyed it thoroughly, lots of love from Dumpman.
I once collected a car from a farm close to the Ouse viaduct and, as I approached the farm in a taxi, was treated to a ground level view of the viaduct at close range. It's very impressive!
Amazingly beautiful scenery,history, thank you both.
‘Welcome to Isfield. Home of NIMBY’ism’😉
I think the footings in the churchyard would have been the base of the groundskeepers shed.
Keep up the good work, I particularly liked the background music in this one, folks.🙂
Ah thanks Pete. Surprisingly you are the only one to hazard a guess at this!
Well, I've had another worthwhile walk in the English countryside, thanks to you. Budding trees, green grass, clouds scudding. If your next video doesn't satisfy with regard to historic content, you could muster a goose or a swan, or an otter! to please us.
I think one of the values of this video is that it demonstrates that making your videos is not easy. There are many gems to see in the UK but the Private/Public access issue prevents many of them from being enjoyed by people. If people want to claim Private access rights then I hope that they at least maintain or look after the heritage behind their fences but I doubt it.
Your videos are so enjoyable thank you from NZ
Thanks Terry
Interesting video. The Lavender Line is worth a visit if in the area and they have nice cakes in their cafe.
7:17 You were about 50 years late to get through the gate by the church.
7:23 you unknowingly showed the line of the London to Lewes Way Roman road beside the motte and bailey castle.
The eleven million bricks used to construct the Ouse Valley Viaduct at Balcombe were transported up the Ouse Navigation, mainly from the Netherlands.
The Lavender Line was named after A.E. Lavender & Sons of Ringmer, the local coal merchants, who worked from the siding at the station.
I find your channel to be intriguing and to provide a window on the UK during the early industrial revolution.. Did Scotland have any canals? How did the Scots get coal to market? All the best to the two of you.
Another great video P&R 😃 I recognise your frustration with all of those , ‘Private Land’ notices 🙄 England needs a ‘Right to Roam’ Act like up here. 🏴 Best wishes as aye. Keith
You have done it justice! I worked in Kings Cross and York Way for many years. So going out for a walk at lunch time took me to these places. That clock tower is quite a landmark. It’s interesting to know why it’s there. Great video John!
Erm.....
@@pwhitewick ha ha. I normally watch your video and John Roger’s video on a Monday evening. Just a little post weekend pleasure. But my reply of a few weeks ago seems to have got mixed up with your comments section 🤗 I love your real life stories from history and geography. Both you two, and John!
@@patsie1888 we loooove John Rogers too ♥️
@@pwhitewick oh yes, he’s so good. Lovely to share that pleasure with you both. 😊
There was a short series of field guides on the Ouse Navigation - 2 or 3 books I think - published in the 1980s locally. I still have the Upper Ouse volume. It inspired me to explore. The 1980s version of a UA-cam channel I suppose.
Great video as always. I remain incapable of getting my head around Balcombe versus Barcombe, let alone all the River Ouses across the country! I thoroughly recommend exploring the Lavender Line (not named after the plant!) and the various angles to debates about reinstatement of the Uckfield/Lewes line.
Actually Newhaven wasn't always the mouth of the Ouse. It originally came out in the Cinque port of Seaford but a large storm diverted the flow.
Second video in my neck of the woods!
Hope it (they) put on a show.
MD
=
Always try!
Good video. You should have gone the other side of the river as you can see the motte, and the restored lock and more.
newhaven harbour is still very active the road bridge is often swung to allow dredgers to off load gravel just upstream of the newhaven road bridge..you must have walked right past the bluebell railway were the canal passes under sheffield park station.
Lovely red arrowing
It's his trademark! Wouldn't be a Whitewick video video without one!
Oh no here we go again
You could do one on the Balcombe Viaduct alone. I think that would be fascinating as it is still in very regular use today. Perhaps one has been done already and I have simply missed it. Cheers- and you did indeed choose a fine day to be disappointed in your findings.
Sheffield Bridge is at Sheffield Park station. The Ouse runs under the railway just north of the station.
the Lock is to the South of the station
If you're up for a long walk in excess of 15 miles, there is yhe cuckoo trail from Eastbourne to Haywards Heath, and then some remains on the way to Tunbridge Wells as well!
You /can/ walk from Eastbourne to Three Bridges on mainly ex railway lines Cuckoo trail, Forest way and Worth way) but that's 40+ miles so best on a bike!
It’s amusing how all the little streams in England are called rivers. Some of our local creeks or streams are the same size lol. I suppose that’s what comes from living on an island, even if it is a good sized one 😉🏖🇬🇧
there are many other names beside stream', mainly regional, like 'creek'.
I remember reading in the local news paper some years ago that if the River Ouse was put back to where it use to run then it would reuse flooding in the Balcombe area but the River Ouse has stayed where it is
Brilliant video, I remmeber the river Ouse very well from when I was living in Brighton. And the Balcomb viaduct is fantastic. :)
I subscribed during lockdown and out of all the channels watched during 20/21 this is one I’ll continue returning to. Thanks Rebecca ans Paul.
Thanks Geoff, very kind of you to say.
Don't love 💔 there's people every Sunday at 5 away makes us all smile what ever there walking we all follow on ❤💢💯
Happy Easter you guys! Did I see a "River Uck" on a map in your video? Awesome!
Another enjoyable video, it's a shame you couldn't see more. Maybe try and contact some of the landowners and see if they might let you enter their land and maybe then do a follow up video?
Definitely has potential but as always lack of time is always a factor
another fantastic vid
Glad you enjoyed it
Nice day for a mooch guys and girls.god bless 🙏👍
Newhaven now that is an area we know well
And yes Newhaven is still a working port , with the ferries to Dieppe a aggregate type terminal and scrap ,metal terminal and off shore wind support facility
When I was a kid, we used to stay in a holiday home in newhaven, south highton actually and steam locos ran along the beach onto the breakwater
The Exeter Ship Canal is an interesting but largely forgotten part of Britain's canal history. Built early in the reign of Elizabeth I, it was the first in the country to have locks, predating the industrial revolution by nearly 200 years. The reason for its existence is also interesting with successive 'noble' landowners blocking the previously navigable River Exe with weirs in order to divert trade through Topsham, as well as for powering mills. This led to the river being too silted for navigation when it was eventually ruled that the obstructions be removed, some 250 years after the first petitions to the king.
This os UA-cam Gold. Thanks Ste. Video to follow!!
Cool. I wasn't expecting that. And, wow, quick response.
yet another great video from u 2's , always brilliant and great info too, doesn't hurt to be grumpy now and again, it shows your determination and passion for what you do.....
Thanks 👍
Don't let lack of access bother you, sometimes the odds are against you. Still a video worth watching :-)
Thanks Simon. Yup the odds were very much against this time!
love the channel guys .
Perhaps should have walked on the other side of the river at Isfield 🙂 The footpath follows the river, and crosses and recrosses the parish boundary, which still follows the course of original river… after a few hundred years!
Understand Paul's frustration.... wouldn't hurt to open some bits up for viewing.
Never mind that your outing was probably not as successful as you probably were hoping for,I found this & all your other videos both fascinating & interesting.Even more so, when it is part of the country that I am not familiar with.Many thanks .
I think you're being a bit harsh on yourself Paul, just being in the company of you two and hearing the history as you take us on a fascinating walk is enough, so there are bits you can't see, but equally nor can we, so we got what you can get with a better understanding, so I for one say thank you for another fascinating trip.
The Lavender Line is a small heritage Railway which they run trains but only around 10mph, I did visit the line myself after catching a bus from Uckfield, It not the Lavender Line that wants to extend it, it a campaign to electrify the line back to Uckfield and build a new line to Lewes dubbed Brighton Main Line 2 project to ease congestion on the Brighton Main Line but I'm not sure if the project is shelved or still wanting to go ahead or are those plans private! (sorry) lovely video.
Lewes to uckfield reinstatement has been rumbling on since it closed 1969. I very much doubt it happening, I live in Lewes and post pandemic the trains are full enough to warrant the investment that hasn’t even been made in the last fifty years. The only money spent is on enquiries and feasibility studies. BML 2 via uckfield would be so slow as tone pointless. A twisty route that is non juice and singled. Sad but there we are
@@highdownmartin Interestingly electrification of the Uckfield Line using 3rd rail has recently become a highish priority due to operational issues. But, so far as I know, extension of the line back to Lewes (using the Hamsey Loop) is not likely to happen for the foreseeable future.
@@highdownmartin Lewes - Uckfield like Lewes - East Grinstead (and maybe even on to Croydon) and the line through Dorking to Shoreham was a LBSCR line designed for one purpose only; to stop other companies from building a line to Brighton. We should be thankful that the lines still provide a good service for the towns and villages along what's left of them
Nice vid. I share your frustration at not being able to walk on much of England’s landscape because so much of it is ‘private’. Oh for a right to roam like in Scotland.
On the opposite side of the road to the viaduct are two cottages. between them and the river is the site of the Wharf and I believe the end of navigation.
Yup thats pretty much what we assumed. The cottages are in the film for a split second.
@@pwhitewick One of the cottages used to be a pub which was probably meant for the benefit of the many workers building the viaduct and unloading the bricks,
It is a shame that you did not mention the Ouse Valley Railway which, obviously, largely parallels the River Ouse. The railway was, basically, only proposed to keep the SER from going to Brighton. It started to be built but was abandoned soon after construction started so was never completed. There are a few structures still in existence to show a railway that might have been which were within a mile of your route.
Check out our video from around a year ago titled "The doomed Ouse Valley Railway" 🙂
@@pwhitewick Well done
Isfield: Lavender line is about 500metres long Part of Uckfield to Lewes line. Theres been a campaign to get it re-opened for over 40 years. - was closed due to flooding (and not Beeching)
The Ouse itself runs up to the Bluebell Line. Barcombe had a station at one time and was also a line the connected to Lewes before Beeching.
And Yes - Newhaven is still a port. Ferry goes to Dieppe.
I was under the impression that it was Beeching’s fault, but I’ll happily accept correction.
The Lewes-Uckfield Line was closed in 1969 so that a road bypass could be built.
@@migrantfamily As a councillor in Newhaven and rep to the group trying to reopen the line, this is what I was told. The flooding cause seveal small bridges to be undermined and post beeching, they didnt consider it worth repairing. As others noted, once they made that decision, new roads (and a Tesco) have been build over what was the old trackbed. However, it would still be possible to reopen the line as there was a spur to the mainline just north of Lewes so the campaign continues.
I believe around the UK there are something like a dozen (the Ouses included) whose name is 'river' in a previous language. In my imagination when things were first being written down people were sent out to record what things were called and multiple times conversations went;
Visitor: What's that thing called?
Local: That's the {local word for river}
V: Thank you [writes down name]
2nd local: That's just our word for river
V: Not changing it now, I've written it down!
Haha.... yes. I think I included 6 on the map.... just
Wonderful walking video! Perhaps you’ll have to take up kayaking to circumvent the land owners? If LIDAR photographs have been published of the area, they maybe useful in identifying structures hidden by undergrowth.
Wonder if Vikings used the river? Any mention in the chronicles?
Bit too far south??
Well Mr Grumpy that was fantastic at least I thought so. It’s sad when working places get a banded like the canal. It looked great. That is truly a pretty place. Very much enjoyed. Please stay safe and take care
Shame you didn't find what you were looking for, but your trip & video were very entertaining nonetheless. It felt as if I was on your trip of (non)discovery with you!
Been over it so many times when I lived in Brighton for 7 years. Never knew it's history
hello again paul and rebecca , loved the drone shots as always , very interesting , well done again and thank you guys 😊
You should come to South Yorkshire plenty of History you would enjoy
Newhaven is still a port used today mainly for cross channel ferries but also for other trading ships
Some lovely drone photography and music. It's a shame you couldn't show us all that you wanted to but it's a magnificent video as it is so well done and thank you.
Good luck from Spain!!
PS:Maybe you could canoe it with Team Zero!!
Red Arrow in the thumbnail! Classy!
The Sussex Ouse Valley Way is a very good footpath that starts near the source of the river in Lower Beeding and follows the valley to Seaford (the original mouth). Unfortunately because it uses existing rights of way only a few short sections N of Lewes actually go long the river bank (yes it's the Private Land problem). At Ardingly there is a bridge under the remaining section of railway that clearly has the canal clearance and also room for a towpath.
I sympathise with your frustration about the lack of public access to long sections of the Sussex Ouse. Nonetheless there are public footpaths in the area and they are clearly marked on OS 1:50,000 sheet 198 (Brighton and Lewes). They won't take you everywhere, but they do exist! If you find one of them has been blocked by a hostile landowner, I suggest reporting the problem to the Rambers' Association.
Sheffield bridge is where the river goes under the A275 by Sheffield park station at the end of the Bluebell line🙃 look on the 6 inch O/S 1800's map quite a few locks on there!
Indeed even though Sheffield Bridge was mentioned there was no mention of the Bluebell Railway, including that it was, arguably, the first Standard Gauge preservation line.
Sheffield Bridge was one of the names originally considered for the railway station. Some of the architects plans for the station feature the name Sheffield Bridge. I think in the end the Earl of Sheffield settled on the name of Sheffield Park.
Its pronounced ballcombe. Another great video on my doorstep. Been to the viaduct a few times but never down to the navigation!
Thanks and thoughts to Rebecca, we only have to put up with his moods once in a blue moon, you have to suffer 24x7! 🤣
Too true
Those pilings look like those put in as protection for a bridge from floating objects crashing into the supporting pillars.
Thank you as ever - I always enjoy watching your vids!!! 🙂🚂🚂🚂
Love that you both came to my local area ! Great video
Balcombe Locks (2) are behind the buildings and are just weirs now, the Sussex Ouse Trust have been working on one of the locks near isfield for several years now I think you gave up to far south to find any of the remaining locks look on the old maps sites for locations of lock chambers there were originally 19 locks