20th December 2022
We have just published a revised and updated version of Christine Richardson’s book Norwood Tunnel – Four Centuries of Challenge.
Christine Richardson is a lifelong waterways enthusiast. She is the author of many books and guides on the northeastern waterways of Britain. She has undertaken 35 years of research into the history of the pioneering era of canals in the third quarter of the 18th century. An active member of the Chesterfield Canal Trust she played a major role in the restoration of the historic Thorpe and Turnerwood lock flights.
In the pioneering era of canal construction in this country there were two great tunnels, both planned by James Brindley and both completed in 1775. By some bizarre coincidence they were the same length although located either side of the Pennines. One was Harecastle on the strategic Trent & Mersey Canal, the other was Norwood on the secluded Chesterfield Canal.
Norwood tunnel was opened on 9 May 1775, two days after the first boat had passed through its 2,880 yards and a few days before Harecastle.
It was second to none – and equalled only by Harecastle. Visitors travelled many miles to see the construction works – the locals said it was a waste of money.
In these pages, Christine gives the full story – an awesome creation of the 18th century, a commercial tool of the 19th, an unwanted fossil for much of the 20th, and an ambitious restoration target of the 21st.
Christine’s research is meticulous and this book, first published in 2009, is recognised as the authoritative study on the tunnel.
The book has 36 pages with lots of photographs old and new and maps in full colour.
It costs £5 and is available from our shop at Hollingwood Hub.
Alternatively you can get it from our website shop, click here.
ISBN 9781999946548
If you have not already snapped up your copies, don’t forget Christine’s other books that we have republished recently – Chesterfield Canal History Nuggets and Stone to London.