Joseph Hewer - Swindons Last Canal Carrier

Joseph was born in 1857 and was a 3rd generation boatman, his father was based at the Cricklade Thames & Severn canal wharf for 20 years.

In 1897 he moved to Westcott place and owned four boats, carrying goods between Swindon & Bristol.

When in 1901 the canal become unnavigable between the Stanley Aqueduct and Semington, he downsized to one boat called Staunch and worked it on the Thames & Severn and Midlands canals.