During the latter half of the 18th century, a revolution in transport took place in England - the building of the canals. A whole tradition of life, the narrow boat was not only goods vessel but home to generations of boatpeople, and decorated in a style that became a unique art form; while the wharves, warehouses, lock-keepers' cottages, bridges and aqueducts that serviced these barges now have a mellowed, forgotten splendour.