Aire and Calder Navigation

Incorporated in 1699. A 34 mile canal in West Yorkshire providing a link between the rivers. It opened in 1704 and transported woollen goods between Leeds, Wakefield, Halifax and Bradford, and from Lincolnshire and East Anglia. In the 1720’s coal formed a significant portion of its trade. Steam paddle tug boats were introduced to compete with railways in the 1850’s, and though coal traffic slowed considerably in 1986 along with the coal industry, the canal was modified numerous times and was connected with others to extend its route. It is still operational today for both freight and leisure.
Capital £26,700 (set in 1721). 1828 Act authorised £750,000 to shorten the route and improve standards for larger vessels.