The prow of a sunken barge at Purton Ships Graveyard

It is the largest Ships' Graveyard in mainland UK.

The sunken boats have trapped silt and raised the level of the bank

Vicky found a Leopard Moth on the towpath. It appeared to be laying eggs.

She moved it to the taller vegetation where it was less likely to get troddon on.

Back at Slimbridge

July 8, 2024 in England ⋅ 🌧 13 °C

Having spent a few days at the Sharpness end of the canal we turned back towards Gloucester.

Our friend Jo had recommended we visited the Purton Ships' Graveyard so after a mile we stopped and walked the short way from the canal to the river bank. According to the internet, a river bank collapse in 1909 put the integrity of the canal at risk and so as a quick and effective way of reinforcing the bank, barges and other types of boat were towed to this point and driven against the bank to ground. Holes were bored in the hulls, allowing silt to enter and build up. This practice continued until the 1970's.
Ships lie on top of ships as the bank level has risen. Skeletal frames are all that remain of wooden hulled boats, whereas the metal and concrete constructions are all but intact. We had a little play climbing on the hulls and the dogs enjoyed a change of scene.

Carrying on, we moored once again at Slimbridge. We'd liked the Tudor Arms so much we decided to treat ourselves to another lunch.Read more