The struggles of the builders and engineers tasked with creating a landscape of canals over the rugged terrain surrounding the Pennine hills.

Engineering

Liz McIvor

Paul Craven

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.

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

Capitalism

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

The Workers

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

The Boat People

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

Heritage

Liz McIvor looks at who built the nation's canal network, who funded it, those who worked on it and how they were regenerated following WWII.

Engineering

Seasons1

Season 1 Episodes6

Cast1

Crew1

Discussion

Episode Summary