Description:During 1796, supporters of a scheme to build a new super canal in Staffordshire locked horns with the established businessmen of the Trent and Mersey Canal Company.
The new canal
The new canal was to be wider than the Trent and Mersey. It would be capable of supporting larger river boats that could carry greater quantities of coal, lime and ceramic wares between the Potteries, London, and Britain's sea ports.
No wonder the Trent and Mersey was worried
In an attempt to steal the thunder of the new scheme, the Trent and Mersey turned up the heat, announcing that they would widen their own canal between Fradley Heath and the Harecastle Tunnel.
What now?
Solicitors Hoskins and Fowler, and J. Tomlinson here call a series of meeting to decide on a response to the situation.
These are planned for the following venues:
Swan Inn, Lichfield, 3 January 1797
Crown Inn, Nantwich, 7 January 1797
Both meetings will begin at midday.
About this document
This document was collected by pottery manufacturer Enoch Wood, and is now among the collections at Stoke-on-Trent Museums.