Canals: The Making of a Nation

Episode 2

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.

Episode 3

Capitalism

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

Episode 4

The Workers

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

Episode 5

The Boat People

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

Episode 6

Heritage

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