Hi I just joined the Canal-people list. I am wondering if anyone out there could enlighten me about the bargemasters and their life style in the 1700's and early 1800's. Recently I found my BARNARD family roots in Newbury Berkshire. My 3Xgreat-grandfather Benjamin BARNARD was a bargemaster and wharf keeper in Newbury during the later part of the 1700's. At least one of his son's George my 2Xgreat-grandfather was also a bargemaster after trying his hand at the brewery business. Then later on in his life he was a canal agent in 1851 in Devizes Wilt. The earlier BARNARD's were in Newbury but possibly came from London. I am interested in what kind of life they had in those days. Ann Riley Vancouver Island BC Canada