Canals and Canal Carriers

From the Family Tree Forum Reference Library

The History of the canal network

The canal network started to appear in the 18th century, in the days before the railways the canals were used to carry goods, people and documents around the country. The network continued to expand and linked the major industrial areas of the country together.

As the forerunner to the railways and motorways of recent times, the canals provided employment for many people, the men who built the canals (called navvies, as the canals were referred to as navigations) would often find employment on the canal when construction was complete. Whole families would live and work on canal boats and raise several generations whilst living afloat.


Canals of England

Canals of England is a comprehensive list of the canals (past and present) throughout England.




reserved

Canals of Wales

reserved


Canals of Scotland

reserved


Back to Bargemen/Boatmen/Watermen/Lightermen