River transport 1189-1600
The purpose of this thesis is to establish the extent of river transportation in the period 1189 - 1600. Investigation is made as to which rivers were physically usable, which were legally usable and the comparative cost of land and river transport. The evidence of historic use is examined and these records are compared with the recent limits of use of the rivers. Hence an estimate is made as to which sections of rivers were probably used during that period.

The principles of fluvial geomorphology have been used to estimate past channel changes. The legal records have been studied and analysed. Considerable evidence of the use of rivers has been found which materially increases the lengths of rivers for which there are records of historic use.

It is concluded that:-

1. all rivers which were physically usable were legally usable,
2. there is a high probability that each section of a river which is now physically usable was usable by small boats in the period 1189-1600,
3. on the balance of probabilities each section of a river which is now physically usable was used during that period.

Finally the implication of this research for the present day law relating to public access on rivers is considered.