The Stratford-upon-Avon Canal
The Stratford on Avon Canal dates from the Imperial period. It runs between the Bancroft Basin in Stratford and the Worcester and Birmingham Canal at Kings Norton, Birmingham.
1 The Stratford-upon-Avon canal runs from the river Avon at Bancroft Basin in Stratford-upon-Avon to the Worcester and Birmingham canal at Kings Norton junction. Constructed between 1796 and 1815.
2 cf West Midlands SMR No 6734.
3 An Act was obtained by the Corporation in 1793 to enable the cutting of a canal to join the Worcester and Birmingham Canal. In 1795 a further Act was obtained to allow the creation of a branch to join the Warwick and Birmingham Canal at Lapworth. Work commenced at the north end of the Stratford Canal. By 1798 the Canal was navigable as far south as Hockley Heath, about half the distance, but a third Act to authorise changes of course had to be obtained in 1799, and this almost exhausted the available funds. The branch to the Warwick Canal was completed but then work stopped in 1803. However, the Canal was eventually completed as far as Stratford, with the first boat reaching the Avon in 1816.
- For the sources of these notes, see the
- Timetrail record
- produced by the Historic Environment Record.
Comments
I remember when the Stratford canal at Bishopton was being dredged and restored in the early 1960’s. Gangs of prisoners from Birmingham were brought in to help. There was a lot of mud on the banks and eels which I saw being gathered in sacks.
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