Sir - Desmond Morris (Letters, November 2) is quite right to urge us to view the fate of the Jericho boatyard from a historical viewpoint.

As a local historian with a particular interest in Oxfords waterways, I hope you will allow me to add to this theme.

The Oxford Canal was one of the first four trunk canals in the country, and therefore, by linking with the River Thames, not of simply local importance. An initial commercial (and social) success, it then suffered a long, slow decline, and it is only in recent years, after surviving many episodes of near-closure, that this resilient, culturally rich waterway is proving its worth once again. How ironic, and deeply saddening, therefore, that it should be British Waterways, the supposed guardians of the canal, who have chosen to sell off the Jericho yard at exactly this moment, rather than retain some of it to sustain this hard-won viability.

Dr Morris alludes to vandalism; there is an incomprehensible measure of self-mutilation entailed too.

Boatbuilding along the Jericho stretch of the canal dates back to at least 1821, promoted most importantly by a particular family of coalmerchants, boatbuilders, and smiths named Ward.

The Wards formerly owned the site now up for development, and also gifted the land on which St Barnabas Church stands. Influential in many aspects of Oxford life throughout the 19th century, the Wards also had matrimonial links with iconic Oxford names such as Gill (the ironmongers) and Frank Coopers Marmalade.

I would like to take this opportunity to seek further information about the enterprising and philanthropic Ward family, and would very much welcome contact (at towpathpress@btopen world.com) from any descendants or others with information to share.

Mark Davies, Oxford