The Treacher Papers

John Treacher (1736-1802) was first General Surveyor for the Upper District of the Thames Navigation Commission, and later General Engineer for the whole Navigation. He was succeeded in similar roles by his son John, and then by John’s son George. The three generations held senior positions in the Navigation from 1791-1863.

All three Treachers kept detailed records of their work to improve the Thames.  The Treacher Papers include many notes and drawings of works undertaken for the Thames Navigation Commission, and similar papers for other clients such as the Berkshire Quarter Sessions, for whom John Treacher junior was also surveyor of bridges.  These records are often hugely detailed, and provide a hidden history of the work that built the modern River.