This was the most troublesome part of the Grand Junction Canal's construction. When work began, in 1793, the building of a 3km tunnel was a major feat of engineering with no mechanical aids beyond the basic picks, shovels and wheelbarrows being available. Unfortunately, just three years into the project, the navvies hit quicksand. All work had to be abandoned and a new course begun. The Grand Junction Canal was up and running by 1800, but for the first five years all cargo had to be laboriously 'transshipped' into carts for a horse-drawn journey over Blisworth Hill. It was only in 1805 that the tunnel opened and through transit by water became possible.
Rosie and I are going to Venice tomorrow,for a few days,so I'll catch up with everyone next week.
Many thanks for all your views,comments and favs,always much appreciated.
