Lechlade

The river Thames has always been at the heart of the town. Lechlade was on the salt way, when salt used to be brought by road from Droitwich and shipped down the Thames from Lechlade. Later, cheese, wool and coal were shipped down to London. The construction of the Thames and Severn Canal in 1789 meant Lechlade was on a busy trade route. The canal, now disused, joins the Thames at Inglesham, a few miles west of Lechlade and funds are being sought to restore the canal and the lock at Inglesham. Today, the river brings visitors to the town in narrow boats and cruisers. There are boats and fishing tackle for hire and there are river cruises during the summer.