project, for which a total closure of the estuary would not necessarily be required. There is evidence of further large works being carried out in the Meon Estuary in the 1670s. In a Chancery case starting in 1739 elderly residents testified that boats still sailed up to Titchfield in their lifetimes and only ceased to do so when the heirs of the Earl built a barrier across the river. Although they are imprecise as to date their evidence does bracket the 1670s for the final closure. Also, presentments in the Titchfield Manorial Court in 1676 report that the Lord of the Manor by cutting the New River "hath taken away and doth detain" parts of the copyholds of two tenants, John Cooper and John Landy, implying that at that time the construction of the New River was recent. What archival evidence has so far come to light, together with the visible evidence on the ground, tends towards the agricultural explanation rather than the navigational one, but a final answer depends on the discovery of further evidence. In the meantime the book referenced below contains a number of papers by different writers discussing the various theories, and numerous source references. See also Canals of Great Britain History of the British canal system References External links Fareham Borough Council, Walk Ten: Titchfield Canal Hampshire County Council, Painting of Titchfield Haven, at Westbury Manor Museum, Fareham Canals in Hampshire Transport in Hampshire Titchfield