When was the Thames and Severn Canal authorized by Parliament?
Parliament passed an act to authorize the canal on the 17th of April 1783. This bill granted the company powers to raise £130,000 initially and another £60,000 if needed.
Questions about Thames and Severn Canal
Short answers, pulled from the story.
How long did it take to complete the Sapperton Tunnel for the Thames and Severn Canal?
Work began at the start of 1784 with expectations of completion within four years but the tunnel actually took until April 1789 to finish. The project faced immediate engineering challenges regarding the construction of this broad tunnel measuring 23 feet wide and 14 feet high.
What caused water supply issues in the summit level of the Thames and Severn Canal?
The summit level lost around 400,000 gallons daily largely because underlying rock was porous limestone. A Boulton & Watt steam engine installed in 1792 pumped water into the canal to compensate for these losses.
Why did the Thames and Severn Canal close between Chalford and Inglesham in 1893?
The Thames and Severn company announced closure of the section between Chalford and Inglesham on two days later after the announcement in 1893 due to lack of water on the summit level. Although re-opened in March 1899 the canal closed again shortly thereafter.
When was the first phase of the modern restoration of the Thames and Severn Canal officially opened?
Restoring the central section posed several major engineering difficulties including inadequate water supply and collapsed Sapperton Tunnel blocked by two rock falls. New section filled water officially completed the 2nd of June 2013 after evaluation cruise held the 10th of November 2017.