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Our guide to the waterways of the UK in detail.

The history of the Erewash Canal.

Designed to tap the Erewash Valley coalfield and inspired by the development of the Loughborough Navigation with which it maintained strong links. It was authorised in 1777 and by 1779 the 12 miles with 14 broad locks up to Langely mill from a junction with the River Trent near the River Soar junction were open. It had cost £21,000.

In 1789 the Cromford canal was authorised and by 1801 ran north for 14 miles from its connection at Langley Mill with the Erewash. This increased the traffic on the Erewash. It quickly became one of the most prosperous canals in the country.

In 1792 despite opposition from the Erewash the Nottingham canal was authorised which provided a quicker route to Nottingham from the Cromford canal. It opened in 1796.
Then in 1793, the Derby canal was authorised. Opening in 1796 it provided a connection from the Erewash both to Derby and to the Trent & Mersey without going on the River Trent.

In 1795 the Nutbrook Canal, a private 4 ½ mile branch canal was opened to service collieries. It cost nearly £23,000 to build. More than the main Erewash Canal! Mining subsidence led to its closure in 1895.

In 1834 the "Leicester & Swannington Railway" was opened bringing in cheap coal to Leicester as a result traffic started to fall.

However when the 'Midland Counties' railway reached the area a transhipment basin was built and local traffic kept the Erewash profitable until the late 1850's.

In 1847 the Erewash Valley Railway was opened and this started developing branches to the collieries and traffic continued to fall off.

In 1889 traffic was reduced when Butterley tunnel on the Cromford was closed due to a rock fall, although the tunnel was re-opened trade never recovered. So when the tunnel finally closed in 1900 little trade was effected.

In 1893 the Grand Junction purchased the Leicester & Northampton Junction canal for £10,500 and the Old Union for £6,500. It also organised a guarantee of minimum receipts with an option to purchase for the Loughborough, Leicester and Erewash navigations. However the bad condition of the Cromford canal meant it did not achieve it's full potential.

In 1932 it was amalgamated into the Grand Union canal which secured it's future.

For further History seethe history of the Grand Union Canal.

Sources.

Nicholson Guides to the Waterways.

Roots & Routes, Peter Hardcastle's Website
http://www.canals.btinternet.co.uk/index.htm

Some pictures of this canal?

Pictures of the Erewash Canal.

General information

Find our information about other canals on the canal index page.

If you have any questions then do ring us on 07977 229103
or email us at martinreed@reedboats.co.uk