Canals: The Making of a Nation

Geology

How the process of building Britain's canals resulted in furthering geological knowledge, as surveyor William Smith created the first geological map of England and Wales.

Capitalism

The story of 'canal mania', the period of activity that helped develop Britain's modern financial economy, now centred in London.

The Workers

The tales of the men who built the canals - the navigators, or navvies - focusing on their work on the Manchester Ship Canal.

The Boat People

The people who operated the canal boats, carrying fuel and goods around the country.

Heritage

How the nation's canals were saved following years of postwar neglect, becoming places of tranquillity and popular for boating holidays.