This way, its promoters hoped to exploit the potential of the Warwickshire coalfields, shipping fuel both to the north (via the Trent & Mersey Canal) and the south (via the Oxford Canal)
The canal's construction period dragged on for over 20 years before the whole line eventually opened in 1790. Nonetheless, it was a profitable venture that still paid a dividend right up to 1947, the year before the canals were taken under the Government's wing.
Commercial traffic north of Nuneaton continued until the 1960s and has now been replaced by increasing volumes of pleasure boats. The line terminates a short walk from the cathedral at a basin that has itself undergone much improvement in recent years.
Hawkesbury Junction
For about a mile south of Hawkesbury Junction, the old route of the Oxford Canal can be seen running parallel. This was the ludicrous result of a disagreement between the rival companies, which was only resolved when the connection was cut at Hawkesbury. The resulting sharp turn from one canal into the other can be a challenge to navigators of longer craft.
Hawkesbury Junction is also known as Sutton Stop, after the family of the same name who once lived in the lock keeper's cottage.
