The "Last Canal Manager" hosted by Laura & Matthew

In this episode, your hosts Laura & Matthew explore the life of William J. Ainsworth, described as “The Last Canal Manager,” tracing his journey from a determined boy walking six miles to school, through his apprenticeship and rise into canal management, to the demanding role of overseeing the Wilts and Berks Canal during its long decline. Using archival details, this episode paints a vivid portrait of a man whose work blended physical stamina, practical management, legal disputes, and civic responsibility, while also revealing his wider life as a family man, entrepreneur, preacher, political activist, and volunteer. It’s a thoughtful and engaging look at endurance, change, and the human story behind the end of Britain’s canal age. Journals/ Magazines⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Illustrated History⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wilts & Berks Canal Trust⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠