West Vale Branch
Bibliography

Wilts & Berks Canal
Fortunately two of the most interesting books about the canal are still in print. They are:
  • "The Wilts and Berks Canal" by L. J. Dalby; published by the Oakwood Press; 3rd edition 2000 (with additional text and photos by Doug Small); ISBN 0-85361-562-4.
    The definitive book about the canal with extensive diagrams, maps, photos and document facsimiles. Essential reading.
  • "The Wilts and Berks Canal" compiled by Doug Small; published by Tempus; 1st edition 1999; ISBN 0-7524-1619-7.
    Photos of the canal from the days when it was still in use to its dereliction to its restoration.

The Vale & Downland Museum in Wantage publishes an excellent 8-page A4 leaflet about the Wilts & Berks Canal in the Wantage area. Written by Derek Uprichard and John Parrott; design and drawings by Bill Fuller; 2001; No ISBN.

Other relevant out-of print books include:

  • "Canal Days in Swindon" by Dr. Eric V. Tull; published by the author; 1993; 1st edition 1993; ISBN 0-9521156-0-3.
    Gives details of the history and remains of the canal in Swindon. A labour of love. Although out of print, I did see two copies for sale in a shop on the Trent & Mersey Canal in September 2001: e-mail the webmaster for details.
  • "The Canals of South and South East England" by Charles Hadfield; pubished by David & Charles; 1st edition 1969; ISBN 7153-4693-8.
    Part of the definitive "Canals of Britain" series of which Charles Hadfield was the principal author and editor. Still relatively easy to find at second-hand book sites such as www.abebooks.com. (Not to be confused with "The Canals of the South of England" which was an earlier book later split into two, of which the aforementioned is one.)
Maps
A great deal of the canal's remains are shown on maps currently available.
  • The entire length of the West Vale Branch's length of canal is on the Ordnance Survey 1:25000 Explorer 170 "Abingdon, Wantage & Vale of White Horse". The most recent edition was published in 1999, ISBN 0-319-21794-9. 
  • The Branch's stretch is also on the OS 1:50000 Landrangers 173 and 174 but these have a lack of detail and clarity.
  • Other sections of the canal are on the OS Explorers 156 and 170.

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