The main photo shows a crew unloading a boat at the Anderton Company Wharf in 1956. The Anderton Canal Carrying Company was one of the largest carriers in the north-west, having been established in the early 19th Century.
As most of the boat was needed to carry goods, the family only had 3 or 4 metres of living space. The back cabin was cleverly designed and functioned as a kitchen, bedroom and living space in one. The second photo shows a family living on board a boat, moored at the Anderton Wharf. Living on board was not without its dangers - drownings were not unheard of.
This video shows boats in various locations across Stoke-on-Trent. Thanks to Ray Johnson of Staffordshire Film Archive for allowing us to share this clip.
