Historic Canal Boat ‘Kilsby’ Set to Sail Again After £210K Restoration Grant

Historic Canal Boat ‘Kilsby’ Gets a Second Life with $210,000 Restoration Grant

A century-old canal boat that weathered two world wars is getting a brand-new chapter. Kilsby, built in 1912 and once part of the 24 boats commissioned by Fellows Morton and Clayton, has received a £210,000 ($260,000) boost from the National Lottery Heritage Fund for a full restoration.

Once a hardworking freight vessel and later a residential boat in Oxford’s city center, Kilsby will soon be transformed into a floating community hub—bringing together art, heritage, and local culture along the Oxford Canal.

Highlights of the Restoration

• Built in 1912, surviving both World Wars

• £210,000 grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund

• Will become an accessible floating space for arts, education, and events

• Led by Jericho Living Heritage Trust, supported by volunteers, schools, and community groups

Since its donation to the Jericho Living Heritage Trust in 2019—when the boat was in rough shape—dedicated volunteers have been working tirelessly to keep its story afloat. The new funding will help the vessel sail again, offering boat trips, festivals, creative workshops, performing arts, and heritage skills training for locals of all ages.

“Kilsby has really captured people’s imagination,” said Steph Pirrie, Project Lead for the restoration. “It’s not just about restoring a boat—it’s about bringing people together and keeping canal heritage alive.”

Mark Davies, Chair of the Trust, added, “This funding allows us to share Oxford’s rich canal history with the city and beyond. Kilsby will help tell that story for generations to come.”

With the support of the National Lottery Heritage Fund, this project isn’t just preserving a piece of history—it’s reviving a community treasure, turning Oxford’s waterways into living heritage once again.