The Canal Builders

by Anthony Burton

Just over 250 years ago, the Industrial Revolution saw the growth of the town, altered trade patterns, and led to the first proper transport system in Britain. From the first river navigations to the building of some of the most impressive canals, Anthony Burton looks at the men who made Britain great—those first pioneers of the industrial age. Without the new canals it is unlikely that Britain would have become industrialised just so quickly and a few men like Thomas Telford, William Jessop, and James Brindley were responsible for most of the first canals. First published in 1969, this revised edition is the definitive history of Britain's canals and the men who made them.

Genres: History

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1972

About the author

Born in 1934 Anthony Burton is an author and broadcaster who specialises mostly in industrial and transport history since his first book in the area, The Canal Builders, was published in 1972. As well as canals, railways and other forms of transport, his interests also include the countryside and landscape history.

Reviews

[Christina Dudley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting and worthwhile book I read for research. Knew almost nothing, going in, so I liked learning about Georgian engineers.

[Dave Hartley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved canals most of my life and travelled on many, so I thought I knew a thing or two about them. I have been to the museums, read the information boards and taken more than a passing interest in their history. My broad narrative was, canals came along, railways replaced them, they fell into disuse, and now many are restored and rejuventated.

I didn't know the half of it!

Anthony Burton is an excellent writer and could write an engaging book on any subject, I have no doubt. But the way he has unpacked what I squeezed into a short sentence is masterful, logical, and eye-opening. What was it like for a canal promoter, investor, engineer, navvy, and many others? He eloquently paints a picture showing that all these groups of people were critical to the success of industry and the nation in the late 18th and 19th Centuries. And now we are left with this stunning legacy of 2000+ miles of hard won waterway enjoyed by millions every year.

Anthony brings this topic to life, and has left me with a new and somewhat surprising hero, "The Duke of Briedgewater". I will leave you to find out why.

Enjoy!

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Until I cycled along the canals in France, I didn’t realize what an extensive network they play in Europe and have become fascinated with the history, especially their role in the Industrial Revolution.

This book covers the origins of the canal network in the UK… the politics, economics, and geography as well as life for the builders themselves and some other noteworthy individuals. Wedgewood China owes a great deal of its success to the canal system. Very readable.

[Douglas Bridger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very readable and fascinating explanation of how canals were actually built. Lots of interesting detail quoted from contemporary sources which brings the period to life. Loved it.

[NRVOUTDOORSMAN · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interest history

We have few canals in the USA, but I'm interested in industrial history and found this work very enlightening on the subject.

[Rakie Keig · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you happen to be interested in Britain's canals and their history, this is a great place to start.