Catalogue description Witham Navigation Company

First Act of Parliament was 22nd & 23rd of Charles II, dated 22nd April 1671 (cap.25). For story of history of this navigation see Joseph Priestley's "Historical account of navigable rivers, canals and railways throughout Great Britain".

Under above Act powers were granted to Mayor and Corporation of Lincoln. Under Act dated 2nd June 1762, Commissioners were appointed for draining and preserving The Fens lying on both sides of River Witham and for re-storing and maintaining Navigation of River. Further Act was passed dated 18th June 1808 giving more powers to Commissioners and on 20th May 1812 another Act received Royal Assent by which proprietors were incorporated as "Company of Proprietors of Witham Navigation".

Under Section 81 of Great Northern Railway Act of 26th June 1846 (by which Act Great Northern Railway Company was incorporated), company of Proprietors of Witham Navigation leased their Undertaking to Great Northern Railway Company for period of 999 years.

Witham Navigation was still (at 13th June 1952) leased by British Transport Commission.