West Stockwith: Village History on the River Trent

West Stockwith brings together the history of the village, the river and the canal. The West Stockwith Village Trail passes the historic Water Lanes. A walk through the village to the canal basin leads to the point where the River Idle meets the River Trent. This gives you named places and a specific river confluence to focus on when planning your trip.

The history of the church and shipyard

St Mary’s Church in West Stockwith was built in 1722 on the western bank of the River Trent. The trustees of William Huntington built it on the site of his shipyard. The church contains a life-size marble monument to Huntington: he is shown resting on one elbow and holding a drawing of a ship. The church’s history therefore brings together a dated building and a specifically described maritime monument. The Church of St Mary the Virgin with Boundary Walls and Gates is a Grade II* listed parish church in West Stockwith.

Village routes and former work

The trail passes the historic Water Lanes. Two other village features point to craftsmanship and design. Grain was prepared for brewing in the village at the Malt Kiln. The Dutch Houses are decorated with ornamentation that imitates the Dutch style popular in the 17th century. The distinction is specific: the Malt Kiln relates to an aspect of the village economy, while the Dutch Houses feature a particular design style. West Stockwith was also historically a port and shipbuilding centre visited by sailors. Boatbuilding played an important role at West Stockwith Basin for a long time, connecting the village with river traffic.

The canal and boat traffic

The Chesterfield Canal was built between 1771 and 1777 and is still used by passing narrowboats at West Stockwith. This brings together a clearly dated construction period and present-day boat traffic. The Aegir is the tidal bore of the River Trent. The two construction periods can be clearly compared by date: St Mary’s Church was built in 1722, while the Chesterfield Canal was built between 1771 and 1777.

There is a slipway at West Stockwith Basin, the endpoint on the River Trent. Moorings on the shore by the bridge in the basin can be used for up to 48 hours. Boats in West Stockwith also have access to a water supply and facilities for pumping out wastewater. When planning your boating trip, be sure to distinguish between the two 48-hour time periods. Moorings at the basin are available for up to 48 hours; passage through the lock, by contrast, requires a telephone booking at least 48 hours in advance. The first figure refers to the permitted mooring duration, and the second to the booking lead time. A telephone booking at least 48 hours in advance is required to pass through West Stockwith Lock. Check this requirement before setting off.

Discover more destinations: Clayworth, Upper Broughton, Underwood, Misterton, Willoughby On The Wolds, Kimberley, Newark-On-Trent, Chilwell.

For the broader travel overview: Nottinghamshire.