Hardy Guide introduction
A Guide to the Driffield Navigation. Peter Hardy 1983.
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Introduction.
Picture if you can a mellow early Autumn afternoon, a warm cloudless sky, fields of waving corn, the green leaves which linger late on the trees in East Yorkshire, pastures and meadows full of cattle, on the distant horizon is a low line of hills. Through this peaceful, beautiful scene the Driffield Navigation slowly meanders. Such was my first introduction to this attractive waterway; a complete contrast from the towns and cities with which we are also too familiar.
The countryside surrounding the Driffield Navigation is East Yorkshire at it's most typical: scattered farms, small brick-built villages, attractive market towns, windmills and church towers, solid and square against the winter gales form landmarks in this open country of wide horizons. But dominating them all is the soaring gothic beauty of Beverley Minster, England's largest parish church.
This guide traces the development of the Driffield Navigation from geological times. A brief history outlines the struggle to change the River Hull from a silt strewn stream into an effective canalised river system. We consider expansion, prosperity and the reasons for decline. In a later chapter we look at rebirth, through the restoration movement and consider the future of the Driffield Navigation.
For the reader unfamiliar with the locality, or visisting the Canal for the first time a detailed description on the waterway has been included, The information relating to leisure activities is not exhaustive. If you wish to read more or discover activities connected with the navigation you may find the appendices useful.
I hope that reading this guide will tempt you to visit the Canal, and improve your enjoyment, if you are already familiar with the area. The Driffield Navigation is an amenity for all to enjoy. Take advantage of the facilities but also, please respect the countryside and preserve the peace of the area.