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Entrance to Blisworth Tunnel, Grand Junction Canal, Northamptonshire, 1819. Artist: John Hassell
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Entrance to Blisworth Tunnel, Grand Junction Canal, Northamptonshire, 1819. Artist: John Hassell
Entrance to Blisworth Tunnel, Grand Junction Canal, Northamptonshire, 1819. A Boat approaching the entrance to the great tunnel from the Blisworth end. The 3056 yard long tunnel did not contain towpaths, so the horses which towed the barges had to be taken around the hill. Meanwhile the method by which the boats travelled through the tunnel involved men lying on their backs and pushing against the walls or ceiling of the tunnel. By this method, known as legging, it could take 2 to 3 hours to move a boat through to the other side. In 1871 the job was taken over by steam tugs. The Grand Junction Canal was part of the network linking London with the Midlands manufacturing towns, and with Liverpool. The canal was built between 1793 and 1805, with William Jessop as its chief engineer, and James Barnes as resident engineer responsible for most of the day to day construction. From Tour of the Grand Junction by J Hassell, 1819
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Media ID 14836180
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Barge Barnes Canal Cottage Freight Hassell John Hassell Northamptonshire Tunnel Ann Ronan Pictures Aquatint Blisworth Grand Junction Canal Jessop
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Entrance to Blisworth Tunnel, Grand Junction Canal, Northamptonshire, 1819
EDITORS COMMENTS
. This print captures the entrance to the historic Blisworth Tunnel on the Grand Junction Canal in Northamptonshire. Painted by talented artist John Hassell in 1819, it offers a glimpse into the fascinating world of canal transportation during that era. The image showcases a boat approaching the tunnel's entrance from the Blisworth end. The tunnel itself stretches an impressive 3056 yards and lacks towpaths for horses. As a result, horses used to pull barges had to be taken around the hill while men resorted to an arduous method known as "legging". This involved lying on their backs and pushing against the walls or ceiling of the tunnel to propel boats forward. It could take up to two or three hours just to navigate through this dark passageway. In 1871, steam tugs took over this laborious task, revolutionizing transportation along this vital waterway. The Grand Junction Canal played a crucial role in connecting London with manufacturing towns in Midlands and Liverpool. Constructed between 1793 and 1805 under William Jessop's guidance as chief engineer and James Barnes as resident engineer overseeing day-to-day construction activities. This remarkable piece of art not only depicts an important moment in history but also serves as a testament to human ingenuity and determination when faced with challenging obstacles like navigating through tunnels without modern technology at their disposal.
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