British Canals Through The Years: Navigation

• Canal History
  • Canals Through the Years
  • The First Waterways
  • The Boats
  • The Canal Age
  • The Decline
  • The Revival

The History and Origins of Navigable Waterways in Britain

Navigable waterways in Britain have a rich and varied history covering millennia, evolving from simple river navigation to an extensive canal network that transformed the country's landscape and economy. Here's a comprehensive look at the development of Britain's navigable waterways through different historical periods:

Pre-Roman Era

Overview: Before the Roman invasion, Britain’s waterways were primarily natural rivers. Early Britons used these rivers for local trade, transport, and fishing.

Key Features:

• Rivers as Highways: Major rivers like the Thames, Severn, and Trent served as natural highways for transporting goods and people.
• Simple Boats: Early Britons used dugout canoes and simple wooden boats to navigate these rivers.

Roman Era

Overview: The Roman invasion in 43 AD brought significant advancements in waterway infrastructure, laying the foundation for more sophisticated navigable routes.

Key Features:

• Infrastructure Improvements: The Romans built quays, wharfs, and river embankments to facilitate trade and transport.
• Introduction of Canals: The Romans constructed small canals and canalised rivers, such as the Foss Dyke in Lincolnshire (built around 120 AD), one of the oldest artificial waterways in Britain.
• Enhanced Navigation: They improved existing rivers by straightening, dredging, and constructing locks.

Post-Roman Era

Overview: After the fall of the Roman Empire, many of their waterway improvements fell into disrepair. However, rivers remained crucial for transport and trade.

Key Features:

• Decline in Maintenance: Roman infrastructure deteriorated due to lack of upkeep and political instability.
• Continued River Use: Rivers continued to be used for local trade and transport, with limited improvements.

Middle Ages

Overview: During the Middle Ages, navigable waterways saw some revival, especially with the growing importance of trade and the rise of towns and cities.

Key Features:

• River Navigation Acts: Laws were introduced to maintain and improve river navigation. The first known act was in 1424, aimed at keeping the River Lea navigable.
• Improved River Navigation: Efforts were made to clear rivers of obstructions, and primitive locks were introduced to control water levels.
• Trows and Keels: Specific boats like trows (on the Severn) and keels (on the Tyne) were designed for river navigation.

The Canal Age

Overview: The late 18th and early 19th centuries marked the Canal Age, a period of intense canal building that revolutionised transport and industry in Britain.

Welcome to the late 18th century, a period of rapid industrialisation and trans-formative infrastructure development in Britain. The year is 1761, and we are standing at the dawn of the canal age, where narrowboats are soon to become a vital component of the burgeoning industrial economy. These slender vessels, designed to navigate the intricate network of man-made waterways, will revolutionise the transportation of goods across the country.

Some of the Key Figures to Meet

• James Brindley: An esteemed canal engineer, known for designing the Bridgewater Canal. His innovative work is setting the standards for canal construction across Britain.
• Francis Egerton, 3rd Duke of Bridgewater: Often called the "Father of Inland Navigation", his investments and vision are driving the canal movement.
• Josiah Wedgwood: A renowned pottery manufacturer who heavily relies on canal transport for his products. He is an influential figure in the industrial landscape.
• John Rennie: A rising star in engineering, involved in numerous canal projects. His insights into civil engineering are pioneering and will influence future generations.

Key Features:

• Canal Mania: A period of rapid canal construction, driven by industrialisation. Canals provided a reliable means of transporting heavy goods like coal, iron, and raw materials.
• Engineering Marvels: Notable canals include the Bridgewater Canal (1761), designed by James Brindley, and the Grand Junction Canal (1793-1805).
• Economic Impact: Canals drastically reduced transport costs, spurred industrial growth, and connected major industrial centres.

Summary

From the natural rivers of the pre-Roman era to the engineered canals of the industrial age, Britain's navigable waterways have played a crucial role in shaping the country's development. Each period brought its own advancements and challenges, contributing to the rich tapestry of Britain's waterway history. Today, these waterways continue to be cherished for their historical significance, environmental value, and recreational opportunities.