The archives at Gloucester Docks are based on the seventh floor of Llanthony Warehouse, alongside the National Waterways Museum.
The document collection comprises administrative records for navigation companies in England and the nationalised waterways under the British Transport Commission and British Waterways.
There are plans and maps of waterways and their structures, financial records, staff records and correspondence records. Photographic collections include those of Arthur Watts, Herbert Dunkley and others,
Copies of photographs, plans, records and documentary information held within the Waterways Archives are available for purchase. Please contact the Archives Team with your request.
Opening hours By appointment only.
Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 1pm and 2pm to 4.30pm.
We need a minimum of 48 hours notice.
Research Service
If you are unable to visit in person we offer a research service for family historians, academics, engineers, historians and the media - anyone with an interest in waterways heritage. Our research service uses the full range of material available in the archives as well as relevant online resources to carry out searches for individuals.
Click here for a copy of our Research Service information sheet.