Opened on 17 July 1761, the canal has a special place in history as the
first to be built in Britain without following an existing watercourse,
and so became a model for those that followed. Affectionately known as
the 'Duke's Cut', the Bridgewater Canal revolutionised transport in this
country and marked the beginning of the golden canal age, which lasted
from 1760 to 1830. However, as the rail network surpassed the canals as
a method of transporting goods, the canal fell into disuse and in 1963,
just before the great canal revival, the impressive Runcorn locks were
filled in. We may still see them again as there are new plans to restore
the locks, but the canal remains popular with walkers and pleasure
boaters. In this new book, authors Jean and John Bradburn take the
reader on a fascinating journey, and show just how the Bridgewater Canal
has changed and developed through time.