BW164/7
Grand Southern Canal
Date
1810
Reference code
BW164/7
Administrative / Biographical history
In 1803, John Rennie had planned a London to Portsmouth canal, but although a bill was introduced insufficient subscribers could be found. However, in 1810, he revived the scheme in an altered form. A branch to the River Medway had been part of his original plans, and now he produced a proposal for a Grand Southern Canal from Tonbridge on the Medway to Portsmouth, large enough to allow Thames barges to navigate. However, despite raising sufficient funds, the Bill was defeated on its second reading, likely due to opposition from certain landowners.
For more details, see 'The Canals of South and South East England' by Charles Hadfield.