When lands were far and wide, boats had their peculiar way of making their way through the waters. Yes, special routes were crafted just for them, and you wouldn’t believe it – animals played a part in moving these boats, all without a drop of fuel. Imagine that! This was a time when diesel and petrol were mere ideas, and vehicles relied on the strength of humans or animals to get from one place to another. Yes, you read it right. Animals like horses were once the engine behind keeping vessels afloat. Historically, mules were the preferred animals to pull the boats because they were cheaper to purchase than horses and were less prone to illness and injury. This was prevalent in many European countries.
Long before this peculiar sight, the industrious folks of England were already collaborating to move boats. Back in the 18th century, the Brits began constructing special roads along the banks of rivers and canals, tailor-made for animals to tow boats. This ingenious system wasn’t just for cargo; it facilitated the transportation of letters, people, and light goods, all thanks to the reliable horsepower.
Fast forward to the Industrial Revolution, a time between 1770 and 1840, when Britain witnessed the construction of numerous canals, marking what is now known as the golden age of canals. These canals, often narrow, stretched for about 4 thousand miles, creating a picturesque route for horses, mules, and donkeys to pull narrow boats. The animals were hitched to the boats with long ropes, and special paths were created on the canal banks. To avoid boat traffic jams, clever builders erected bridges, winding paths, and even tunnels along the canals.
The Netherlands took the baton from England and perfected this unique water transport system. Even today, remnants of this bygone era can be spotted in the form of boats leisurely gliding through Dutch waters, offering a nostalgic glimpse into the past, all in the name of tourism.
As with many tales of progress, the curtain fell on this peculiar mode of transportation. The 19th century ushered in the era of railways, with powerful engines capable of carrying heavier goods over longer distances. Investors, enticed by the allure of railways, swiftly diverted their funds. The result? The horse-drawn boats gracefully bowed out of history, leaving behind a trail of peculiar roads and bridges that still echo their fascinating story to this day.
There are very few boats pulled by horses on British canals today. Most operate as pleasure boats, giving short rides to tourists.
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