Chesterfield Canal
engineered by James Brindley, 32 miles long with 47 locks

History and General Knowledge of the Chesterfield Canal

Known by the locals as Cuckoo Dyke, the Chesterfield Canal opened in 1777. It runs from the River Trent at West Stockwith in Nottinghamshire to Chesterfield in Derbyshire (hence the Chesterfield Canal).

Amongst other produce, Chesterfield Canal was used to transport Coal, Lead, Iron, Corn and Limestone into Derbyshire.

History of the Chesterfield Canal

A waterway in England that ran for 46 miles between Chesterfield in Derbyshire and West Stockwith in Nottinghamshire. It was built in the late 18th century to transport coal, iron and other goods from the mines and factories of the area to the growing cities of the Midlands.

This canal used to be 19 locks and 14 miles longer to a total length of 46 miles. There are sections that are coming back to life and there are hopes of reconnecting these to the Chesterfield Canal one day.

The isolated section runs from Tapton Lock to Stavely Town Basin. This section is only accessible via a slip way or lift in and as consequence has perhaps only 2 or 3 boats. One of these is on the River Rother which connects at Tapton Lock.

The canal was first proposed in the 1770's by a group of local businessmen who saw the potential for a waterway to improve transport links in the area. The canal was designed by James Brindley, a famous engineer of the time, and built by the Chesterfield Canal Company.

Construction of the canal was a major engineering feat, as it had to navigate steep hills and valleys, which required the construction of locks, aqueducts and tunnels.

The canal was completed in 1777 and it quickly became an important transport route. It was used to transport coal, iron and other goods to the cities of the Midlands, including Nottingham, Derby and Leicester.

In the 19th century, the canal faced competition from the railways, which were rapidly expanding across the country. Despite this, the canal remained an important transport route and continued to be used for over a century.

In the 20th century, however, the canal fell into disuse and much of it was abandoned. The decline of the coal and iron industries and the rise of road transport meant that the canal was no longer economically viable.

In the 1960's there was renewed interest in restoring the canal, and the Chesterfield Canal Society was formed. The society worked tirelessly to clear the overgrown canal and to restore the locks and bridges.

Today, the Chesterfield Canal is a popular tourist attraction and a haven for wildlife and a reminder of the area's industrial heritage and a testament to the dedication of the volunteers who worked to restore it.

In conclusion, the Chesterfield Canal has a rich history that spans over two centuries. It played an important role in the transport of goods in the Midlands and helped to support the coal and iron industries.