Chester Canal

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Work on constructing the Chester Canal began in around 1757. Earlier, in 1737, it was decided to divert the course of the River Dee and the building of the canal was an extension of the development of the local water courses.

The original plan was to dig a canal from Chester to Middlewich, However, there were complaints raised by local competitor, the Trent and Mersey Canal Company, so the plans were amended for the canal to run to Nantwich instead, with the intention of building a through-link to Middlewich later on.

Chester Canal was officially opened in April 1772 by the Mayor of Chester, Joseph Taylor. The canal brought much new trade and industry to Chester. The leadworks opened and steam and corn mills were in operation by 1819.