eawa - East Anglian Waterways Association

I have read Seve Machins excellent article. Am I correct to think that the diagonal line that can be seen on google earth is the line of the old Bourne Ea or Morton Bourne Canal. It bisects Bourne Drove at Barnes Drove and Ends at Morton Fen Road. Would this have been the sea in Roman Times or did it move on?

Also where did the Carr Dyke hit the Eau in old times, Iguess somewhere in Victoria Place any idea when it was re-cut?

Sorry for delays in this reply. Been away from computer for such a long time.

The Diagonal line is the route of the Morton Bourne Canal. Its quite easy to see by the changes in colour of the crops and dips in the land. I lose all trace of it just past the 40 foot. I'm thinking it joined an Estuary somewhere between the Forty foot and Star Lode Drove. There are lots of marks in the crops between Morton Fen and Gosberton that could be traces of the Estuary. But have no evidence of where the land and sea met at the time the canal was in use.

P Sharpe told me he could remember when the Carr Dyke was still open to view north of the Spalding Road and if you crawl under the bridge where it crosses the Bourne Eau you will see where it continues north underground. He can't quite remember the exact route it took where it diverts slightly under what is now the Rainbow car park, but it is close enough. The diversion to the east was probably constructed at the same time that the area around Willoughby road was first built on (possibly in the late Middle Ages, but could have been quite a bit later).

The block of buildings to the left of the place where it bisects the Bourne Eau is known as Victoria Place and it is believed that there was a large Roman Villa there at one time. At least that's where I assume it was supposed to have been - it might possibly have been on the eastern side.

Again, sorry for delays in this reply.

Steve

I have been slow to get back, but saw Mr Sharpe last night so went back to the site. I can remember I think the Carr Dyke running across the rainbow car park (befroe it was built) and I assume was next to the railway.

Am looking forward to the clocks changing and cycling down bourne fen to see what can be seen of the old canal, any sediment etc.

I have plans to have a look around for evidence of the Morton Bourne canal too. Was planning a trip to Morton Fen where I think I have a chance of finding its position. Shall be interested in positioning it in Bourne fen too, but I don't have many clues of where to start looking yet. Shall be waiting for better weather and lighter evenings too