Caldon Canal Follow-up

Historical Profiles: NarrowBoat, Autumn 2009

Basil Jeuda

Christopher M Jones

Ray Shill

Basil Jeuda's article in  Summer 2009 NarrowBoat brought some interesting feedback, along with further thoughts from the author

Etruria Vale Wharf From Ray Shill Basil Jeuda’s survey of the Caldon Canal provides a valuable insight into what became a busy industrial area as well as providing details about the water supply to the Trent & Mersey Canal. Any study of the Trent & Mersey is a difficult one, as early records for the company are rare and researchers frequently rely on other sources, including adjacent canal company records, trade directories and newspapers. Once the canal passed into the control of the North Staffordshire Railways, records are easier to trace. The mention of Etruria Wharf, however, should also include the nearby Etruria Vale Wharf, which later served as a carrier’s depot for the Anderton Carrying Co. Etruria Wharf was a company-owned depot that comprised a large basin bounded on two sides by warehouses. It was used by Hugh Henshall & Co, the official carrier to the T&M company. This association appears to have changed in 1812 when the West Midlands carryin…