The Driffield Navigation (referred to as a "Navigation" as it Contains sections of Canal and navigable river) was authorised by an Act of Parliament in 1767, spurred by the expansion in agricultural production and processing during the 18th Century.

Commissioners were appointed by the Act to develop the Navigation and on 25tn May 1770 it was reported that the line was open throughout its full length from Driffield to Fisholme,

The Navigation consisted of four timber floored locks, (Sheepwash, now Town Lock) at Driffield, at Whinhill, at Wansford and at Snakeholme, Later improvements added another lock at Struncheon Hill.

The navigation traded for over 200 years but the advent of the railways and the diesel lorry gradually took trade away and the last cargo carrying boat reached Driffield in 1945. With no tolls to fund maintenance the Navigation declined.

By the late 1960's passage beyond Brigham Bridge was impossible.

However a new bridge was installed at Brigham in 2002. Once again boats can reach Snakeholme locks, which are now being restored,

Because the navigation was built for the public good, rather than for profit, it was administered by Commissioners who had to appoint replacement Commissioners as necessary. When the navigation became moribund This did not occur and the last Commissioner died in 1972. However in 1978 the Charity Commissioners appointed new commissioners under the 1767Act.

Picture right, The Canal at Riverhead

These newly appointed Commissioners and their successors are responsible for the Navigation today.

The Atkins Study

The Feasibility study was prepared by Atkins Consultants in response to a commission from East Riding of Yorkshire Council on behalf of the Driffield Area Partnership and the Driffield Navigation Trust, It was funded by the Single Regeneration Budget.

The study was to determine the viability of improving and renovating the Navigation and to determine whether restoration is worth pursuing further.