Throughout our islands' history we find tales of thieves, smugglers,
thugs and murderers. Books have been written retelling tales of bandits,
footpads, highwaymen, et al, attacking the lone traveller, the horseman,
the coachman, shipping line, locomotive engineer, lorry or van driver
and even pilot. Yet for almost two centuries the majority of goods
travelled on Britain's famed canal network. This also attracted felons
of all kinds and yet these many tales had been ignored, until now.
Within these pages all manner of crimes are covered. From murders to
muggings, parental problems to pilfering, arson, assault, smugglers,
counterfeiters and even road rage (albeit canal-style). But it is not
all morbid and misery, humour also plays a significant part in these
tales. Why would a hungry man steal the inedible? Follow the policeman
on foot chasing down a thief on board the narrowboat. Discover what
really does lie beneath the waters of the canal. Learn canal etiquette,
the hardships, the kindness and the cruelty.
From an author whose fascination with etymology has produced many books
on origins of place names, leading to an interest in the historical
modes of travel across our islands, this book is the latest to follow
old routes and those found along them.
