Canals: The Making of a Nation Season 1

E1: Engineering

The struggles of the builders and engineers tasked with creating a landscape of canals over the rugged terrain surrounding the Pennine hills.

E2: Geology

How the process of building Britain's canals resulted in furthering geological knowledge, as surveyor William Smith created the first geological map of England and Wales.

E3: Capitalism

The story of 'canal mania', the period of activity that helped develop Britain's modern financial economy, now centred in London.

E4: The Workers

The tales of the men who built the canals - the navigators, or navvies - focusing on their work on the Manchester Ship Canal.

E5: The Boat People

The people who operated the canal boats, carrying fuel and goods around the country.

E6: Heritage

How the nation's canals were saved following years of postwar neglect, becoming places of tranquillity and popular for boating holidays.