Boaters living in the Castle Mill boatyard in Oxford — the courageous water travellers in Pullman’s His Dark Materials trilogy — were forced to leave the historic site yesterday to make way for new housing. Watching them in sombre spirit were some of the 5,000 local residents, artists and writers who protested against the redevelopment, including Pullman.

But with the authority of a court order behind it, British Waterways, which owns the land, sent in staff to clear the boatyard. They cut through the locks that boaters and protesters had used to barricade themselves inside the site, and erected fences along the canalside.

Then a crane began removing eight boats from hard standing, all the time under the gaze of campaigners who have fought the plans for almost five years.

Since the success of Pullman’s novels, the yard has become a key part of the Oxford literary trail for enthusiasts following the “Lyra’s Oxford” route. In the books, the Gyptians are boat people traversing the canals and rivers of England. They befriend the main character, Lyra, and help her to escape the clutches of oppressive church authorities.

Pullman did not blame British Waterways. He said: “They are simply the agents of industrial villainy to which this Government has devoted itself. I’m just distraught that (the yard) is going to be wiped out for the sake of putting up what will inevitably be identikit housing for less people than the boatyard accommodates.”

The boatyard, established in the early 19th century, is in Jericho, traditionally a Bohemian district of Oxford and the home of artists and writers.

The eviction began peacefully with about 2,000 people observing the action. They ranged from pensioners who have lived most of their lives in the area to campaigners who played African spiritual music to mark the event.

However, as a crane rolled in to lift the narrowboats into the water, scuffles broke out. One protester lay in front of the crane and another fell about 10ft (3m) from the roof of his boat as bailiffs tried to remove him.

Ceri Fielding, 42, a carpenter, has been working at Castle Mill for ten years and lived on the site. He said that he had not intended to cause any violence. “They sent three guys to get me off and of course I am angry because it’s my home,” he said. “To be fair they gave me the option of getting off the boat. They told me if I refused they would take my boat away and impound it, but all I’m doing is fighting for my home.”

British Waterways has yet to obtain planning permission for the site, which it has put up for sale for £4 million. It is negotiating with a preferred bidder.

Eugene Baston, a spokesman, said: “What is now important is that this community can return to normal as quickly as possible. We have a 2,000-mile network and are continuing to improve it for all those who use and visit it. Canals have always changed to evolve around the society living around them and they wouldn’t exist if they did not develop and move with the times.”

Thames Valley Police confirmed that two men had been arrested on suspicion of obstructing a court officer.

Explore UK News

• Science News

• Crime News

• Education News

• Health News

• Scotland News

Times Recommends

• Savers left in limbo as Icesave freezes deposits
• Kennel Club changes breeding rules
• Passengers triple risk of fatal crashes