1910 saw the last commercial barge to leave for Basingstoke, with the last timber carrying barge leaving Crookham Wharf in 1920. The canal began to fall into a state of disrepair, and by the mid 1950's was considered un-navigable. 

During World War II, a line of anti-tank emplacements was constructed across Southern England during 1940, from Sheerness to Bristol, as a second line of defence to disrupt the advance of the German Army, should they have invaded as expected.

The Basingstoke Canal was to be used as a physical barrier to delay such an advance. With "Pillbox" defences in place along it's banks, and the 'Dragon Teeth' emplacements crossing the canal, the area between Crookham and Dogmersfield, could have witnessed  some bloody combat.

As it was, these measures were not tested, and most remain intact today. A canal restoration program began in 1975, taking 16 years to complete. The canal was re-opened by H.R.H. The Duke of Kent, on 10th May, 1991, and is now used for pleasure, boating, house boats, anglers and walkers.

Local Dragon Teeth