Explore the Leeds and Liverpool Canal with this detailed map from Joseph Preistley, featuring a sepia representation of the canal's route. This map provides an invaluable guide to the entire length of the canal and its history.
This highly detailed map stunningly captures the whole 127 mile canal which was to act as a lifeblood during the Industrial Revolution in Northern England. The idea was originally conceived in 1766 by likeminded businessmen eager to gain a faster route for the import of cotton from the US plantations, to provide a better transport link to export completed garments and to gain access to limestone and lime needed for building programs and production. Permission was granted by Parliament in 1770 to commence this ambitious project. Joseph Priestley was the man whose life work was the supervision of the construction of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. The culmination of his endeavours occurred in 1816 when the Canal was completed. This map is based upon the survey by the same Joseph Priestley and was completed by Sylvester Forrest around 1775.
