Canal history | Canal & River TrustEach canal provides a living museum to teach you about our country's history, from the work of James Brindley to the families that grew up on the water.We're proud to be the guardians of over 2,000 miles of historic canals and rivers. These waters are steeped in history, boasting wonderful heritage and architecture created centuries ago. Many of our canals were built at the height of the industrial revolution, https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/news-and-views/blogs/nigel-crowe/vazon-sliding-bridge