Text and photographs copyright of Jim Shead.

History by Waterway from Haddiscoe (or New) Cut - Norfolk & Suffolk Broads

Haddiscoe (or New) Cut - Norfolk & Suffolk Broads

Spring 1826	William Cubitt	Between 10th April and 1st May he gave evidence to a formal enquiry into the Bill to authorise the cut. He proposed a doudle lock at Munford bridge with gates pointing both ways and the further use of steam tugs.
Spring 1826	William Chapman	Between 10 April and 1 May he, and five other leading civil engineers, gave evidence to parliament on the Bill to build the cut.
April 1826	Thomas Telford	Between 10 April and 1 May he, and five other leading civil engineers, gave evidence to parliament on the Bill to build the cut.
April 1826	James Walker	Between 10 April and 1 May he, and five other leading civil engineers, gave evidence to parliament on the Bill to build the cut.
April 1826	Benjamin, junior Bevan	Between 10 April and 1 May he, and five other leading civil engineers, gave evidence to parliament on the Bill to build the cut.
April 1826	Alexander Nimmo	Between 10 April and 1 May he, and five other leading civil engineers, gave evidence to parliament on the Bill to build the cut.
1827	Promoted by Act as the Norwich and Lowestoft Navigation.
1832	William Cubitt	He completed his work directing the building of the cut.
1833	Was opened in 1833 as the Norwich and Lowestoft Navigation.

Newcastle - Carlisle - Maryport Canal schemes

1794	Ralph Dodd	He did the quick preliminary survey for the scheme before William Chapman and William Jessop did the detailed survey.
Late 1794	William Jessop	He was associated with William Chapman in his survey of the route and plans for the canal.
5 January 1795	William Chapman	He made a preliminary report on the canal.
June 1795	Ralph Dodd	He publised a pamphlet proposing a Stella to Hexham canal on the soth side of the Tyne and estimated a cost of £35,709 for 18 miles of canal with 12 locks.
Summer 1795	William Chapman	Between 26 June and 10 August he issued three parts of a detailed study on a proposed route from the north side of the Tyne at Newcastle, to Hexham and Haydon Bridge, through the Tyne and Irthling valleys to Carlisle and Maryport.
26 October 1795	William Jessop	He agreed with William Chapman's line on the north side of the Tyne and thought that an estimate of £3,737 per mile was not high. He and Chapman jointly signed the estimate of £355,067 for the 95 mile canal.
1796	John Sutcliffe	He rejected Ralph Dodd's plans and proposed a different Stella to Hexham line 44 feet wide at the surface and 6 feet deep taking craft between 50 and 60 tons, but not exsisting keels. This 17 mile, 18 lock route was estimated at almost £90,000 to bring a revenue of £23,460 and a net yield of £17,595.
After 1796	John Sutcliffe	Around this time he produced another report for the extension of the canal to Haydon Bridge and rported on the north side line with a detailed estimate and attacked Ralph Dodd, William Chapman and especially William Jessop.
Early 1797	Robert Whitworth	Having looked at John Sutcliffe's plans he approved the line although it "is a rugged one; I never before saw a good line like it; yet so far as I can discover, I believe it is the best the country affords: It is certainly practicable, and I have no doubt but that a good and useful canal may be made (with some variation) upon it; but it will be exceedingly expensive: I am, however, told the trade that will come upon this canal will fully answer that expence, even were it twice as much.".
Summer 1824	William Chapman	Wrote a pamphlet explaining that his 1796 route for the canal could be used as the line for a railway.

North Eastern Junction Canal project

Autumn 1810

John Rennie

He surveyed the route for the canal which he considered favourable.

River Nene

See Priestley's Navigable Rivers and Canals for more information.

1649	Sir Cornelius Vermuyden	He completed works on the outfall and improved Morton Leam.
1713	Promoted by Act but no work done.
1721	Nathaniel Kinderley	Work started on the new cut he proposed to straighten the river between Peterbough and Wisbech. Although nearly all the work was done a change of mind by the Wisbech corporation delayed its openning until 1773.
1724	Navigation from Thrapston to Peterborough promoted by Act.
1753	Thomas Yeoman	He surveyed the river from Thrapston to Northampton.
After 1753	John Squires	He proposed a plan for making the river navigable from Thrapston to Northampton for 13,000 guineas.
1754	Promoted by Act.
1754	Ferdinando Stratford	Around this time he put proposals to the Western Division commissioners for making their part of the river navigable.
1756	Navigation from Thrapston to Northampton promoted by Act.
Early 1758	Case	Put in plans for improvements to the Western Division of the river but later dissented from these proposals and the terms required for the work.
March 1758	John, junior Smith	He put in an estimate for improving the navigation between Thrapston and Northampton. His plans were rejected in favour of those from a Mr Case who later withdrew his proposals. Smith then submitted new plans and an estimate of £14,070 4s 2½d that was accepted.
Spring 1758	Thomas Yeoman	He was asked examine the propsals of John Smith junior and Mr Wyman for making the western division of the river navigable and found that both schemes were sound.
Spring 1758	Mr Wyman	He put forward a proposal for making the river navigable from Thrapston to Northampton. His plan was approved by Thomas Yeoman but he withdrew in favour of a plan by John Smith junior "on account of Mr Smith's cheaper proposals, his Integrity and superior Experience in such affairs".
22 June 1758	John, junior Smith	The contract was signed for his river improvements that included 20 pound-locks 10 feet 6 inches wide and 100 feet long.
1759	Thomas Yeoman	He reported that the navigation between Wansford and Waternewton was very bad in places and that the commissioners seem to have had little or no authority over the proprietors, who had sole use of the tolls for themselves.
1759	John, junior Smith	The navigation reached Wellingborough where he built wharves.
1761	Navigation from Northampton to Peterborough opened.
Late 1761	Thomas Yeoman	Around this time he surveyed the newly opened navigation and gave it a favourable report.
7 August 1761	John, junior Smith	His navigation works to Northampton were completed.
1768	John Smeaton	He reported on the outfall and the drainage of the North Level and estimating a cost of £20,695 for his proposed solution.
1769	Thomas Yeoman	He agreed that no permanent solution to flooding on the river could be found until the obstructions at Wisbech were removed.He also recommended a navigable sluice above Guyhirne and a side cut through Wisbech.
1771	Langley Edwards	He reported on the problems with the river outfall.
1771	Mr Utting	He ageed that no permanent solution to flooding on the river could be found until the obstructions at Wisbech were removed.
1794	Promoted by Act.
1801	William Jessop	The Deeping Fen Act was passed based on two reports, one of which he prepared with John Rennie.
1801	John Rennie	The Deeping Fen Act was passed based on two reports, one of which he prepared with William Jessop.
1802	John Snape	He, together with Charles Handley, was retained by the Western Division commisioners to prove that sufficient water supply could be found for the Grand Junction Canal Company to build a canal link to Northampton.
1802	Charles Handley	The commissioners called on his services to prove that there was a sufficient water supply to enable the Northampton Arm to be built to connect the river to the Grand Junction Canal.
1814	John Rennie	He reported to the Bedford Level Corporation on a Nene outfall cut which included the recommendation for a 3½: mile staight cutby-passing Wisbech on the north side. The passage to Wisbech was to be controlled by flood gates and a lock.
1822	Thomas Telford	He and Sir John Rennie were asked for revised plans for the river outfall and its passage through Wisbech.
1822	Sir John Rennie	He and Thomas Telford were asked for revised plans for the river outfall and its passage through Wisbech.
1825	Joseph Aris	Appointed surveyor of the river and inspected the Eastern Division locks in a boat, which he had bought for £36.
1825	William, junior Thompson	The western commissioners asked him to survey the river and he found the locks badly constructed and in bad condition. He recommended that a surveyor be appointed "that understands something of the management of canals", the full-time employment of bricklayers and carpenters, the setting up of a repair yard and the booking of all materials.
1827	Promoted by Act.
1827	Thomas Telford	He and Sir John Rennie are appointed as engineers for the Wisbech cut.
1827	Sir John Rennie	He and Thomas Telford are appointed as engineers for the Wisbech cut.
1827	Joseph Aris	Resigned as surveyor.
1827	Benjamin, junior Bevan	Appointed surveyor for the river, following the resignation of the former surveyor, Joseph Aris.
After 1827	Benjamin, junior Bevan	He had the 1818 order banning Grand Junction Canal boats from the river rescinded.
1829	Promoted by Act.
1831	Thomas Pear	He completed his work of overseeing the stoning of the banks for works under the 1827 Act. He is refered to as John Pear on page 213 of The Canals of Eastern England but as Thomas in the index entry.
1831	William Swansborough	He was resident engineer for the Wisbech cut that had now been completed two years earlier than the Act required. The Nene Outfall commisioners especially praised him, John Pear who superintended the stoning of the banks and the contractors Joliffe & Banks.
28 February 1834	Thomas Telford	He and Sir John Rennie certify the completion of the new outfall cut, which cost £200,716.
28 February 1834	Sir John Rennie	He and Thomas Telford certify the completion of the new outfall cut, which cost £200,716.
1836	Sir John Rennie	He proposed the removal of the stone bridge at Wisbech and the adjoining houses so that the sectional area of the river could be doubled. He also recommended impovements to permit vessels with a 7 foot draught to reach Peterborough and a back cut in Wisbech to avoid the S bend through the town. He ageed that no permanent solution to flooding on the river could be found until the obstructions at Wisbech were removed.
1840	Benjamin, junior Bevan	Represented the Nene Commissioners at a meeting to consider John Rennie's report on improvements to the lower river.
1847	Robert Stephenson	He ageed that no permanent solution to flooding on the river could be found until the obstructions at Wisbech were removed.
1850	Robert Stephenson	His iron bridge at Sutton was opened about 100 feet south of the site of the original oak bridge with a moveable iron centre span that it repalced.
1851	James Meadows Rendel	About this date he surveyed the river made a report to the commiittee on Nene drainage.
1852	James Meadows Rendel	He is appointed engineer and began a major dredging and embanking project costing an estimated £124,800.
1855	John Fowler	Around this time he was appointed engineer and built two dams across the river above Wisbech, one at Waldersea and the other at Guyhirne. He also made a submerged weir with a pair of check-gates below the new bridge at Wisbech. This was done as a temporary measure to guard against floods and to reduce bank errosion but the works caused increased silting and much controversy.
After 1859	Thomas Page	Following an accident involving a gang of lighters he recommended the removal of the restriction to the river flow, or throttle, at Wisbech.
1909	A H Plowright	As engineer of the Nene third district he gave evidence to the Royal Commission on Canals and Waterways on the poor state of the Wisbech Canal and River Nene.
1916	The River Nene. By P Bonthron. First published.
After 1930	H W Clark	Was responsible for rebuilding locks and sluices on the river and building a new lock and weir at Dog-in-a-Doublet.
1967	A Summer on the Nene by D J Watkins-Pitchford, Published by Kaye & Ward - Account of a summer voyage illustrated by the woodcuts of the author.
1971	IWA National Rally at Northampton.
1976	IWA National Festival at Peterborough.
1991	Along the Nene by H J K Jenkins, Published by Cambridgeshire Books.
1993	IWA National Festival at Peterborough.
1997	The River Nene From Source to Sea by David Phillips, Published by Past & Present - A well illustrated guide to the river and the places along its banks.

Newcastle & Hexham Canal project

1810

Barrodall Robert Dodd

He surveyed the line for the canal.

Nent Force Level

1775	John Smeaton	He and Richard Walton, his fellow Receiver for the mining rights to Alston Moor, prepared a report for the Commissioners of Greenwich Hostipal who were the owners of the land. They proposed a 3 mile drainage tunnel intersecting a number of lead ore veins which would have been uneconomical to work without drainage.
1776	Work started in 1776 to a plan by John Smeaton.
1777	John Gilbert recommended widening.
1810	Completed by 1810.

Nottingham Canal

See Priestley's Navigable Rivers and Canals for more information.

Late 1790	William Jessop	He was asked to survey the canal and a branch from Lenton to the Trent at Beeston. He started his survey and found that the line suggested by Lord Middleton was impracticable because it needed tunnelling and deep cuttings but then he fell ill and suggested that James Green should complete the survey.
June 1791	William Jessop	He has been ill for six months and the committee now agree that James Green should do the survey under Jessop's supervision. He says "I am still confined but hope next week to be able to get out with my head wrapped up".
June 1791	James (Woolaton) Green	Surveyed a line for the canal under William Jessop's supervision.
September 1791	William Jessop	He submitted his estimate for the canal.
1792	Promoted under an Act.
1792	William Jessop	He is appointed engineer at 3 guineas a day.
1792	James (Woolaton) Green	Was appointed engineer at 300 guineas a year under William Jessop.
October 1794	William Jessop	The committee criticise him for not paying enough attention to the canal.
1796	Opened.
1937	Abandoned in 1937 except for the section from the Trent to Beeston Cut which is now part of the River Trent Navigation.

Nutbrook Canal

See Priestley's Navigable Rivers and Canals for more information.

1791	John Varley	He surveyed the line of this proposed branch to be built by the Erewash Canal company.
1793	Authorised by an Act.
1793	William Jessop	He was paid for the preliminary survey of the canal.
1793	Benjamin Outram	He was appointed engineer.
1796	Opened about 1796.
1949	No traffic after 1949 and much of the canal filled in now.

Neath Canal

See Priestley's Navigable Rivers and Canals for more information.

1790	On 12 July 1790 a meeting was held at the Ship & Castle at Neath, attended by Lord Vernon and local people, at which it was resolved that a canal from Pontneddfechan to Neath would be of great public benefit.
1790	On 13 September 1790 a meeting held to approve the line of the canal, surveyed by Thomas Dadford Junior, his father and brother John.
Summer 1790	John Dadford	Assisted his father and brother (both called Thomas) in making a survey of the line of the proposed canal.
July 1790	Thomas Dadford junior	He was asked to make a survey of the proposed route of the canal, which he did with his father and brother John.
September 1790	Thomas Dadford junior	His estimate of £25,716 for the canal was approved.
1791	Promoted by an Act.
1791	Thomas Dadford senior	He became a shareholder in the new company.
1791	Jonathan Gee	As engineer-contractor he assisted Thomas Dadford, the General Surveyor of the canal.
Autumn 1791	Thomas Dadford junior	Appointed General Surveyor to superintend occasionally the Works' at a daily salary.
1792	By Mid 1792 Thomas Dadford Junior found it necessary to leave his post of General Surveyor, due to his being given the contract to build the Monmouthshire Canal.Thomas Sheasby replaced him.
1792	Ynysbwllog Aqueduct Opened. The canal is now carried in pipes across the remains of this aqueduct.
1792	John Dadford	Did a survey for a proposed canal and tramroad link to the Glamorganshire Canal.
Mid 1792	Thomas, senior Sheasby	He was employed as engineer-contractor and undertook to build the rest of the canal, from (and including) the Ynsbwllog Aqueduct to Glynneath by 1st November 1793 for £14,886, of which £2,800 was to be retained at interest for three years after the completion of the canal against any work found to need rectifing.
1795	Completed in 1795, but in May 1798 an Act of Parliament passed to extend the canal by 2 1/2 miles to near Briton Ferry.
September 1797	Thomas Dadford junior	Surveyed the line for an extension of the canal to Giant's Grave near Briton Ferry.
1798	In May 1798 an Act of Parliament passed to extend the canal by 2 1/2 miles to near Briton Ferry.
May 1798	Edward Price	He was engineer for the construction of the 2½ mile extension of the canal from near Melincrythan pill to Giant's Grave near Briton Ferry.
1799	On 29 July 1799 the canal, extended to the Giant's Grave was opened.
1800	Thomas Cartwright	Surveyed the line for a tramroad on behalf of the company.
May 1802	Thomas Cartwright	Surveyed the line for a tramroad with James Birch.
Early 1803	Evan Hopkin	He was engineer for the 8 mile tramroad from the canal head at Pont Walby to Aber-nant. It was finished within two years.
1836	William Kirkhouse	He wrote to Charles Tennant "I understand they are now talking in earnest about extending the Neath Canal to Aberavon". He had made a plan and survey for a similar extension to Port Talbot many years before.
1882	From 1882 to 1886 dividends were not paid.
1886	From 1882 to 1886 dividends were not paid.

Text and photographs copyright of Jim Shead.