Lewes History Group July Talk: Nick Kelly, 'Canals and Inland Waterways in Sussex'

About

Before the arrival of the railways, and especially given the state of the roads across the Weald, the only practicable way to move heavy goods to and from Sussex was by boat, and Lewes owes its existence to its location on the navigable and tidal Ouse.

With the onset of the Industrial Revolution the need for such transport greatly increased. The 18th century especially saw huge developments in water transport, with new canals and navigations across the country connecting mines and factories with their markets. In his talk Nick Kelly will relate the Ouse Navigations upstream and downstream of Lewes in this period to other contemporary Sussex endeavours to improve the capacity and convenience of the transport of goods. The illustration shows a painting completed in 1828 by J.M.W. Turner for the 3rd Earl of Egremont that features a collier brig navigating the Chichester Canal.

LHG Members can attend the talk for free.

Non-members can buy a ticket (£4) from TicketSource.co.uk/lhg

See the Talks page for a list of forthcoming monthly events organised by Lewes History Group.