Mike Clarke and Milepost Research

Mike Clarke has worked on many projects related to industrial history and industrial archaeology, though he is best known for canals and inland waterways. Apprenticed as a fitter/turner and subsequently educated at college and university, few people involved with industrial history have had practical experience of such a diverse range of technologies. For over fifteen years his profession was restoration engineer, but even earlier, his leisure time had been spent on rebuilding vintage cars and steam locomotives. He has worked on objects ranging from textile machinery to wind mills, and wooden boats to stationary steam engines, both in museums and for public and private organisations across England and abroad.

In 1991 he set up his own business, Milepost Research, to provide advice and research on subjects related to industrial history, both for the public and private sector. He has written many books and articles on a wide variety of subjects, and continues to undertake new research into industrial and waterway history independently of commissioned work.

More details of his work can be found through these links:

Please contact the address below for further information:

Mike Clarke
Milepost Research
8 Green Bank
Barnoldswick
BB18 6HX
tel: +44 (0)1282 850430
email:

Current research projects

The history of European waterways and the transfer of technology in Europe during the Industrial Revolution are the areas of research currently being undertaken. He continues to research the history of British canals, particularly the technology of their construction and operation.

Traditional boat decoration and construction on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal.

The development of movable bridges and the creation of a database listing surviving bridges.

Since 1993, Mike has travelled extensively throughout Europe to research the development of inland navigation, making contact with industrial historians throughout Europe, in particular in Eastern Europe. He has lectured in France, The Netherlands, Germany, Poland, Romania and Latvia.

In September, 2009, he visited Yangzhou, China, and made contact with the office for conservation of the Grand Canal who are applying for World Heritage Status for the canal.

Working with a television crew on the Solovki Islands, Russia.

Voluntary Work

Panel for Historic Engineering Works, sub-panel organiser for movable bridges; an overview of movable bridge history

President and Founder of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal Society.

Mike has many colleagues in Europe, particularly in the East, and is committed to increasing the transfer of knowledge between the countries of Europe. He has produced a report on the history of the canal system and about the water mill, part of the World Heritage Site on the Solovki Islands in northern Russia, which are used by the guides on the island. He speaks and writes German, and has some knowledge of Polish, Russian and French.

No. 5 Compartment Boat Hoist at Goole.

Email:

last revised: 26 October 2009