Page 89 - Borders 240716

Plan of Chester Canal, as reproduced from the Gentleman’s Magazine 1772
The Gentleman’s Magazine produced maps of the canals as they were built, and sometimes they
include elements that were not constructed. This map indicates that the clear intention was to build
a canal to Middlewich and a branch to Nantwich! The “main line” to Middlewich was to follow a
northern route that crossed the Weaver and terminated at Middlewich. This plan, dated June 1772,
corresponds with the first Act (12 Geo III, April 1�ᵗ 1772) and was drawn at the time when the Trent
& Mersey Canal had not reached this point.

When the Chester Canal was first proposed, a pamphlet was produced in 1770 that included
objections against making this waterway to Middlewich. The Trent & Mersey were concerned about
the loss of toll on rock salt and white salt that were produced at Lawton and Middlewich, whilst
the River Weaver Commissioners objected to loss of tolls for earthenware and raw materials for the
pottery trade conveyed by their waterway. A positive comment suggested that the Duke of
Bridgewater might benefit from improved transport of his coals from the Tarporley Collieries.

Whilst the Chester Canal proprietors struggled to finance the building of the canal authorised in
1772, stronger opposition was mounted by the Trent & Mersey Canal proprietors who succeeded
in having a clause inserted in the second Chester Canal act (17 Geo III, June 2�ᵈ, 1777) which
prohibited the Chester Canal from constructing their waterway a distance of 100 yards from their
own. RCHS Collection 70010

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