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Mine's a pint of coffee! |
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The Boatman's Rest provided non-alcoholic refreshments, such as tea, coffee, and food to the boatmen and their families. Tobacco, newspapers, washing facilities and games such as draughts, chess and bagatelle were also provided.
Life Improvement?
Founded in 1846, the "Incorporated Seamen and Boatmen's Friendly Society" aimed to improve, both spiritually and physically, the lives of the men and women working at sea and on the canals. |
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Another attraction of the Boatman's Rest was a free letter writing service. The majority of boatmen could not read or write. Public house landlords might charge two or three pence for the service.
The facilities provided by the Boatman's Rest were used as a means of distracting the boatmen away from the public houses and the "evils of drink", thus allowing the Society to "save their souls".
The Boatman's Rest wasn't a first of a kind, indeed the Society commissioned two other mission buildings: at Gas Street Basin in Birmingham and Hednesford on the Cannock Extension Canal (1885).
It is, however, a truly unique example of the Black Country's architectural heritage as it is the only one still standing that is connected to the canal, and as such, remains a testament to a way of life that is now lost. All the others were either demolished or are now used for different purposes today.
The Boatman's Rest was turned into Birchills Canal Museum in 1986.
The Boatman's Rest continues to have an impact on people's lives today. Many see it as a reminder of times and a lifestyle now forgotten.
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