Why does the Itchen Navigation exist?
The Navigation was built to allow transport of cargo on barges between Winchester and Southampton and was also economically important for irrigating the extensive water meadow system along the valley floor. The Navigation was completed in 1710 and was used until 1869 when the London to Southampton railway was constructed. The Navigation is no longer used for boating, except for canoeing at Woodmill in Southampton and rowing at Winchester College.
