Britain’s canals have a long and fascinating history. First established by the Romans, they expanded exponentially during the eighteenth century and, through providing links between major cities, were a key driver of the industrial revolution. However, with the development of speedier means of transport the canals were threatened with obsolescence. In this personal memoir of Trent Lock, Shardlow and the Erewash Canal, Keith Taylor gives us a real flavour of life on the water, through a mix of reminiscence, old photographs and thorough research of the colourful, resolute and innovative canal characters, from the early boat-builders through to the ‘navvies’ and the hardships they endured.