Launch of the Canal & River Trust
From the 2nd July British Waterways ceased to exist and in its place the Canal & River Trust has been set up to care for the 2,000 miles of historic waterways in England and Wales. Today marks the launch of the new website for the Canal & River Trust, which includes an array of information on the canals in Birmingham.
It is well known that Birmingham’s extensive network of canals has more miles than Venice but more importantly Birmingham’s waterways form a unique part of England’s industrial heritage.
The built environment of the waterways represents a unique working heritage of industrial architecture, archaeology and engineering structures and is a valuable part of our heritage, as well as an integral part of regional cultural heritage and local distinctiveness. Whilst their industrial heyday has long since passed over the years derelict and often forgotten waterways have been rediscovered and restored to form a mix of leisure, business and cultural uses.
Brindleyplace is one example of the canal network that has been restored into a hub of bars and restaurants around the Gas Street Basin. The name Brindleyplace honours James Brindley, the original engineer of the Birmingham Canal and many other waterways.
There is so much more to say about Birmingham’s canals but it can’t all fit into one blog! Take a look at the Canal & River Trust website or even take a look at some of the books available from Amazon.
The Birmingham Canal Navigations Through Time by by R. H. Davies
The Silent Highways: The Forgotten Heritage of the Midlands Canals by Ray Shill
