Cannock Extension Canal
1.8 miles long with zero locks

History and General Knowledge of the Cannock Extension Canal

Running from Pelsall Junction, on the Wyrley and Essington Canal, taking it north to Norton Canes Docks.

Mainly constructed for coal transport and was part of the Birmingham Canal Navigation's.

Mainly rural with some industrial units at the northern end.

History of the Cannock Extension Canal

A short waterway of 1.8-miles long in the West Midlands of England. It was built in the 19th century to improve transport links in the area and to serve the coal mining industry.

The canal was first proposed in the 1830's as an extension of the Wyrley and Essington Canal, which connected the coal mines of the Black Country with the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal. The proposed extension would link the Wyrley and Essington Canal to the Hatherton Canal, which served the coal mines around Cannock.

Construction of the canal began in 1837 and was completed in 1840. The canal was built by the Wyrley and Essington Canal Company, which had the support of local landowners and the mining industry.

The Cannock Extension Canal was primarily used to transport coal from the mines to the factories and towns of the West Midlands. It was also used to transport other goods, such as timber and iron.

The canal was never particularly profitable and it faced competition from the railways, which were rapidly expanding across the country. By the early 20th century, the canal had fallen into disuse and was abandoned.

In the decades that followed, the canal fell into disrepair, and much of it was filled in or built over. However, in the 1990's there was renewed interest in restoring the canal and the Cannock Extension Canal Society was formed.

The society worked tirelessly to clear the overgrown canal and to restore the locks and bridges. Today, the canal is a popular destination for walkers and cyclists, and it is used for recreational boating and fishing.

In conclusion, the Cannock Extension Canal played an important role in the transport of coal and other goods in the West Midlands in the 19th century. Although it was never particularly profitable, it helped to support the local mining industry. Today, the canal is a reminder of the area's industrial heritage and a testament to the dedication of the volunteers who worked to restore it.