In West Stockwith, the historic village, its waterways and the history of shipping come together. A walk through the village to the canal basin leads to the point where the River Idle flows into the River Trent; the West Stockwith Village Trail passes the historic Water Lanes. If you are looking for a holiday rental, you can choose one based on whether you are most interested in village history, the rivers or boating traditions.
Village Walks, Canal and Confluence
The Village Trail and the walk to the canal basin have different points of focus: the trail passes the Water Lanes, while the route to the basin leads to the point where the River Idle flows into the River Trent. This presents historic village routes and the geography of the confluence as distinct subjects. It helps you see West Stockwith as more than just a former port and shipbuilding town.
The Chesterfield Canal is also part of the local scene. It was built between 1771 and 1777, and Narrowboats still travel along it near West Stockwith. Boatbuilding played a long-standing role at West Stockwith Basin and connected the village with river traffic. Together, these details tell of different uses of the waterways: from the Basin’s long boatbuilding tradition to the Narrowboats that travel along the canal today.
The River Trent is also associated with The Aegir, the name of the river’s tidal bore. This natural phenomenon and the river’s confluence are two distinct features of the waterscape. If you are interested in the waterways, they provide a specific context for distinguishing between the river, the canal and the history of the Basin.
Church and Village History
St Mary’s Church was built in 1722 on the west bank of the River Trent by the trustees of William Huntington, on the site of his shipyard. The church contains a life-size marble monument to Huntington: he is depicted leaning on one elbow and holding a drawing of a ship. The Church of St Mary the Virgin with Boundary Walls and Gates is a Grade II* listed parish church in West Stockwith.
The dates place the church within the village’s longer history. The Dutch Houses are decorated with details that imitate the Dutch style popular in the 17th century; the church was built in 1722, and construction of the Chesterfield Canal followed between 1771 and 1777. These are different historical references, not a single construction project: architecture, the church and the canal each offer a different perspective on the village’s history.
The Malt Kiln also tells of a specific former activity: grain was prepared there for brewing in the village. Together with the Dutch Houses and the church, these details show that West Stockwith’s history is not only about river traffic. Those interested in the village’s architecture and former industries will find additional topics here alongside the canal and the Basin.
Information for Boaters
For boaters, the information about West Stockwith Basin and the lock is particularly relevant. There is a slipway at the Basin, the terminus on the River Trent. Boats can moor for up to 48 hours on the riverbank by the bridge at West Stockwith Basin. West Stockwith also has a water supply for boats and facilities for pumping out wastewater.
The two 48-hour references concern different things: in the context of boating, passage through West Stockwith Lock must be booked by phone at least 48 hours in advance; moorings at the Basin are intended for stays of up to 48 hours. Check the booking requirement before your trip so you do not confuse the advance notice with the mooring duration. This information relates to boat planning; the other village walks and historical themes offer a separate basis for assessing West Stockwith as a destination.
Discover more destinations: Edwinstowe, Clifton, Haughton, Newark-On-Trent, Blidworth, Colston Bassett, Winthorpe, West Bridgford.
For the wider travel overview: Nottinghamshire.
