The Chesterfield Canal is a narrow canal in the East Midlands of England and it is known locally as 'Cuckoo Dyke'. It was one of the last of the canals designed by James Brindley, who died while it was being constructed. It was opened in 1777 and ran for 46 miles (74 km) from the River Trent at West Stockwith, Nottinghamshire to Chesterfield, Derbyshire, passing through the Norwood Tunnel at Kiveton Park, at the time one of the longest tunnels on the British canal system. The canal was built to export coal, limestone, and lead from Derbyshire, iron from Chesterfield, and corn, deals, timber, groceries and general merchandise into Derbyshire. The stone for the Palace of Westminster was quarried in North Anston, Rotherham, and transported via the canal.
Drakeholes Tunnel in 2007
A section of the canal undergoing restoration
The Chesterfield canal surveyed in 1769. Published in the Gentleman's Magazine in 1777.
The eastern portal of the Norwood Tunnel
James Brindley was an English engineer. He was born in Tunstead, Derbyshire, and lived much of his life in Leek, Staffordshire, becoming one of the most notable engineers of the 18th Century.
James Brindley with Barton Aqueduct in the background by Francis Parsons (1770)
The Barton Aqueduct over the River Irwell, 1807
Barton Aqueduct, shortly before its demolition, 1891
Brindleyplace, Birmingham