This year marks the 300th anniversary of the birth of canal pioneer James Brindley. One of history’s great engineers, Derbyshire-born Brindley was responsible for eight waterways, including the Chesterfield Canal. Fiona Stubbs learns more about him.
CANALS are, today, an increasingly popular leisure resource, a treasured network of waterways to be restored and maintained. In the 18th century, however, they had a pivotal role in the Industrial Revolution, overcoming transport constraints to unlock the country’s trade potential…