From The Neolithic To The Sea: A Journey From The Past To The Present

Chesterfield Canal - Ranby

Statistics
Category
County
Coordinates
Grid
Condition
Age
Admission
Transport
Nottinghamshire
53°19'08.4"N 1°01'33.8"W
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1777
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Map


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Chesterfield Canal, 6 Ranby

The canal was built in 1777, to export coal, limestone and lead from Derbyshire and iron from Chesterfield. Corn, timber and groceries were imported on the return. The stone for the Palace of Westminster was quarried in North Anston, Rotherham, and transported via the canal.

Ranby is the most difficult of the canal to navigate because of its bends. When the boats were towed by horses, the tow rope would pull at some unusual angles. Care had to be taken or the boat could run into the bank or worse still, the horse could be pulled into the water.

As the industry declined that used the canal and the road and rail networks became the preferred method of transport, the canals were abandoned in the 1960's. The Chesterfield Canal Trust took over the canal in the 1970's and began the process of restoring the canal.

The canal is now used for leisure, river cruisers and narrow boats navigate the waterways. British Waterways offers facilities at Lock 55 including a shower block and moorings.