The History of the English Canals, Eric Jackson.
The talk starts with the industrial revolution and the transportation system as it existed at that time, comparing the load-carrying capacities of different modes of transportation. It tells of the first commercial canal, the Bridgewater, the subsequent 'Canal Mania' and the rapid growth of the canal system, focussing on the engineers and canal promoters, how the canals and their infrastructure were built, their operation, and how tolls were calculated and collected. Then with the coming of the railways, gradual decline, the closure of some canals with their take-over by the railway companies, nationalisation of the system after the Second World War and the beginnings of firstly the preservation, then later the restoration movements. A change in the attitude towards canals saw the growth of the leisure boat industry, with some notable restoration projects.
Meetings will be live wherever possible but in a hybrid format - so if you cannot, or would prefer not to, join live, we will still be holding the meetings online as well - details will follow nearer the date.
The live venue is expected to be Swarthmore College, 2-7 Woodhouse Square, Woodhouse, Leeds, LS3 1AD.