Impact of the Canals


Bow lock (pictured) is steeped in a rich history. Constructed in 1850, it initially served as a pound lock for barges to pass through. Bow Locks was extremely popular when first constructed, mostly because it was toll free. So, when the lock’s owners decided to introduce a toll system it faced a massive backlash. An innovative compromise was reached. Next to the lock were flood gates, which provided the same access to the canal - but only when the tide was right. These gates were kept completely free, but the lock would still have a toll. That way, boat owners had the choice between the two, but only if they got the time of day just right!


Bow lock


The canal was widely heralded as a symbol of progress in the early Industrial Revolution. William Bray, for example, wrote in his Sketch of a Tour in Derbyshire and Yorkshire (1783), “’These undertakings are truly stupendous, and strongly mark the spirit of the enterprise which is so much the character of the present age.”


Indeed, the canals were a revolutionary feat of engineering, playing a major role in the industrialization of Britain. They were extremely important in facilitating the transportation of a greater volume of goods, more quickly, easily, and in a far cheaper manner. In doing so they dramatically reduced the costs of moving raw materials to factories and finished goods to market.


The canals allowed many new markets to open in various locations, with goods


produced on scale transported all over the country. Further, as seaports could now be connected to inland trade, products could also easily be shipped to destinations overseas.


Coal particularly was able to be exploited in greater numbers, moved further, and sold cheaper. From 1760 to 1800, ninety of the one hundred and fifty canal acts passed by parliament were for coal purposes. This allowed industries such as iron that were heavily dependent on coal to fulfil their demands and flourish.


Moreover, many jobs were created following the success of the canals, with more markets opening and many more goods being produced. For example,


many new opportunities arose in mining, hardware, the potteries, and other industries. Canal stock companies – able to sell shares and buy land – also brought in wide investment and jobs to areas around construction. All gave the working man the opportunity to expand his business into an industry.


Jobs were also created on the canals themselves. A new, paid labour force called navigators, or “navvies”, emerged to build the huge canal network. These men worked long and hard to construct the canals, using picks, shovels, wheelbarrows and gunpowder. Workers were also employed to load and unload the canals. With more people earning money, they were able to spend more on the new markets and further fuel the industry’s growth.


121 | The Report • June 2022 • Issue 100


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