Uploaded January 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
The Bridgewater Canal is sometimes called England's first canal, and its founder, Francis Egerton, 3rd Duke of Bridgewater, is known as "The Canal Duke". The Bridgewater Canal is a 39-mile-long canal that runs from Runcorn to Leigh in northwest England. It was built to transport coal from the Duke's mines in Worsley to Manchester. The canal is a key link between the north and south canal networks, and includes the Barton Swing Aqueduct, which is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Waterways. The canal was built by James Brindley, a pioneer canal builder. The Duke was inspired to build the canal after seeing canals on the continent, and presented a bill for its construction in 1759. The canal was completed in 1761.
Clip from the “Big Bigger Biggest” documentary series exploring the engineering breakthroughs that have enabled us to develop some of the largest structures in existence.
Watch the complete documentary here – youtu.be/O77Dnglam2M
Subscribe to Element 18 – bit.ly/337R2uO
The Bridgewater Canal is sometimes called England's first canal, and its founder, Francis Egerton, 3rd Duke of Bridgewater, is known as "The Canal Duke". The Bridgewater Canal is a 39-mile-long canal that runs from Runcorn to Leigh in northwest England. It was built to transport coal from the Duke's mines in Worsley to Manchester. The canal is a key link between the north and south canal networks, and includes the Barton Swing Aqueduct, which is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Waterways. The canal was built by James Brindley, a pioneer canal builder. The Duke was inspired to build the canal after seeing canals on the continent, and presented a bill for its construction in 1759. The canal was completed in 1761.
Clip from the “Big Bigger Biggest” documentary series exploring the engineering breakthroughs that have enabled us to develop some of the largest structures in existence.
Watch the complete documentary here – youtu.be/O77Dnglam2M
Subscribe to Element 18 – bit.ly/337R2uO
