DERBYSHIRE CANALS by Mike Smith

ABOUT THIS BOOK

In the first half of the nineteenth century canals became
the commercial arteries of the nation, They carried loads
more efficiently and safely than ever before and provided
ordinary people with cheaper food and fuel.

The canal network in Derbyshire began with the
construction of the Trent and Mersey and Chesterfield
canals, both completed in 1777, and followed over the
next twenty years by Erewash, Peak Forest, Cromford,
Nutbrook and Derby canals. Here, as elsewhere, they
stimulated economic growth and increased prosperity.

This book tells the story of these canals, the men who
promoted and built them and their impact on local
communities, Illustrated by the author, this book should
interest the general reader as well as canal enthusiasts
and people who live close to stretches of these canals.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Michael Smith was born at Derby in 1947 and educated
at St. Mary's School and Derby Technical College. After
commercial experience with a national group of electrical
wholesalers he trained to be a teacher, Since then he has
taught at many schools including Castle Donington
Community College where he is currently Vice Principal.

Since qualifying as a teacher in 1969 he has obtained
additional qualifications including those of Associate of
the College of Preceptors, a B.A.(Hons) from the Open
University, an M.Ed. from Nottingham University and a
specialist qualification in Local History from the
University of Keele.

Michael's interest in local history led him to research
topics as varied as the 1906 election, trade unions, the
Derby School Board and the Derby Canal.Other books to
his credit include; ‘Castles and Manor Houses in and
around Derbyshire’ and ‘Derbyshire’s Monastic Heritage’.

He lives with his wife Christine at West Hallam, not far
from the route of the old Nutbrook Canal.

A5. Placed in a plastic wrap around cover.