History of Exeter Ship Canal set to feature on new TV programme

Published: 16 September 2021

Staff from the City Council’s Waterways team have been taking part in filming for a new TV programme exploring the history of the Exe Estuary and the Exeter Ship Canal.

Conrad’s River Journeys follows Exmouth-born yachtsman Conrad Humphreys as he sails along four Devon waterways is his wooden lugger, Bounty’s End.

The series will air on History Hit TV later this year.

Film crews were on the Exe Estuary this week and at the Exeter Ship Canal as the series focussed on Exeter. Filming was carried out at Turf Locks and at Topsham Quay.

Harbour Master Grahame Forshaw was interviewed for the programme, speaking about the construction of the Exeter Ship Canal in the 1560s, making it one of the oldest man-made waterways in the UK. He also spoke of its modern day usage.

Grahame said: "It’s great to have the opportunity to be able to showcase the River Exe and the Ship Canal on a widely accessible TV channel for all to see, especially to introduce our waters to those who have never been here. We welcome visitors both by land and by sea!"

Also helping the film crew with background and information on the history of the waterway were local group The Friends of Exeter Ship Canal.