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Family supplied by: Website: South Midland Water Transport, LTD Contact: Andrew Burge |
Company and boats provided by: Website: Historic Canal Narrowboats Contact: Roger Fuller |
Used by permission
Roger Fuller suggests a small book called "BARLOW'S," by Alan H. Faulkner, which should help you on the trail of family history, available from canal bookshops, and museums.
Family
Samuel Barlow was born on 28 August 1847 beside the Coventry Canal at Bedworth Hill, Exhall. His father John Barlow was a boatmen and Samuel followed in his footsteps.
Around 1870 Samuel, and his wife, Mary Ann Compton, moved to a rented canalside cottage in Bulkington Lane, Bedworth. Samuel was soon established here as a number one with two boats. In September 1879 the family, which now comprised Samuel, Mary, two sons and three daughters moved to Glascote on the outskirts of Tamworth.
Samuel began to use the Kettlebrook wharf and established himself as a coal merchant. By the end of the 19th century there were at least a dozen boats engaged in long distance coal carrying from the Tamworth area.
On 26 December 1894 Samuel Barlow collapsed on the pavement on George Street and died of a heart attack at the age of 47. He had been on his way to the church to become godparent to the only son of Frederick Sephton who owned the boatyard at Polesworth which was to become Lees & Atkins yard.
The company continued to trade under Samuel's name even though it was now run by his widow and his two sons, all of whom had been involved in the business before Samuel died.
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The Company |
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Formed in 1870 by Samuel Barlow, setting up a canal trading business with two narrowboats, carrying coal from the Warwickshire coalfields to London and the River Thames. The company expanded to a fleet of over 100 boats, but finally ceased trading in 1961. The majority of the narrowboats were wooden, being highly regarded for a smart turnout, and superb paintwork.
Based at Glascote, on the Coventry Canal, the company concentrated on the delivery of coal to canalside factories, and worked both short haul, and long distance traffic. By the year 1914 the fleet was nearly at 50 boats, both new and second hand craft. Following financial problems in 1931, the company name was changed from Samuel Barlow (Tamworth) Ltd, to the Samuel Barlow Coal Company Ltd, with offices in Birmingham.
For further information on the subjects following, visit Historic Canal Narrowboats
By the early 1930's the fleet was at 70 ......
By the mid 1940's, the Barlow fleet was at it's peak .....
In 1957, the company of S.E.Barlow was purchased ....
Barlow boats existing today ....