The harbour and canal at Bude, Cornwall
Towns become established for all sorts of reasons, but Bude on the north Cornish coast must surely be unique. Until around 1820 it didn't exist as a town. It came into existence because of the unusual qualities of the local sand. It is high in calcium carbonate (lime) which was once used as a fertiliser for farmers' fields. A canal and harbour - Bude Haven - were built to export the sand and also to transport it inland so that it could be more easily delivered to farmers.
A small town grew up around the harbour. And then later in the 19th century the railway arrived. This not only led to the canal being made virtually redundant but also opened up the town to visitors. And so a seaside resort was born. Parts of the canal, the entrance to which is just right of centre, are still open to visiting boats. But, needless to say, the railway itself is now long gone.
The harbour and canal at Bude, Cornwall
Towns become established for all sorts of reasons, but Bude on the north Cornish coast must surely be unique. Until around 1820 it didn't exist as a town. It came into existence because of the unusual qualities of the local sand. It is high in calcium carbonate (lime) which was once used as a fertiliser for farmers' fields. A canal and harbour - Bude Haven - were built to export the sand and also to transport it inland so that it could be more easily delivered to farmers.
A small town grew up around the harbour. And then later in the 19th century the railway arrived. This not only led to the canal being made virtually redundant but also opened up the town to visitors. And so a seaside resort was born. Parts of the canal, the entrance to which is just right of centre, are still open to visiting boats. But, needless to say, the railway itself is now long gone.