Thames and Severn Canal

The Thames and Severn Canal was a historic waterway linking the River Thames at Reading to the River Severn at Gloucester, enabling boats to move between southwestern England and London. Constructed in the early 19th century, it featured a series of locks and tunnels, allowing navigation through varied terrain. The canal facilitated the transportation of goods like coal, stone, and agricultural produce, boosting trade and regional development. However, with the rise of railways, its commercial use declined, leading to closure in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, parts of the canal and its structures are preserved as heritage sites.