Further to Steve's comment, I would add that the canal was strategically
important in England's commerce. It linked the country's main canal system
to the midlands and north, with the docks in the east of London (via the
route which Steve describes). In theory you still can travel almost
anywhere in this country by water because of the canal system (but only in
theory - much of the system is derelict or impassable)
Nick Hudd
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