We explore Birmingham's extensive canal network, a historic and scenic feature that once powered industry and now offers a peaceful retreat amidst the city. Join us as we uncover the stories and character that make these waterways a treasured part of Birmingham's landscape.
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00:00Birmingham Canal Navigations kick-started the Industrial Revolution, there's no denying that.
00:06I'm not trying to claim that the Industrial Revolution wouldn't have happened,
00:10I'm just stating we literally kick-started it in this region,
00:14mainly down to iron ore, coal and limestone all being available in the Black Country
00:21within, well, 18.5 miles originally, 8.5 miles once the Thomas Alfvén and Fergans came along.
00:28You can't beat the history that we've got in Birmingham.
00:34Birmingham's canal system wasn't just essential for the city, it was transformative on a national scale.
00:40Feeding directly into the power and reach of Britain's Industrial Revolution,
00:44these waterways once thrived with activity, linking Birmingham to vital trading centres
00:50and allowing for the constant flow of resources.
00:53As coal and iron travelled along these channels, Birmingham emerged as a powerhouse of manufacturing and trade,
01:00a role that's shaped its identity ever since.
01:03Today, while factories may have quietened, the canals remain, preserving a unique piece of Birmingham's past.
01:09Walking here, you can still sense the vibrancy of a time when these waters kept industry moving,
01:15making Birmingham a city of innovation.
01:18For those of us in the West Midlands, they're a truly special part of our heritage that few other places can claim.
01:29I think the main thing people don't realise is what we've got in Birmingham and what is available.
01:35The number one thing people ask me, what should I look at when I leave your trip?
01:39And I tell them, well, back to the train station, look up.
01:43Because where every town centre, every city centre in the world looks exactly the same at ground level,
01:49you've always got the history above it. You've always got the history above it.
01:55In the present day, these canals stand as an iconic symbol, offering a contrast to the fast-paced life of Birmingham streets.
02:03They invite locals and visitors alike to slow down, to experience a quieter side of the city, steeped in history and natural beauty.
02:12This stretch of waterways gives a fresh perspective on Birmingham,
02:16blending industrial heritage with an urban escape that's as peaceful as it is unique.
02:22It's a spice that draws people from all over the world, eager to experience the canals firsthand.
02:27They're a reflection of Birmingham itself, a city that cherishes its history while looking towards the future,
02:33welcoming everyone to explore and appreciate the journey these canals represent.
02:43We have people from all over the world, tourists come over here, not just to see our boat, but I'd love to say that was the case.
02:49But China, Japan, the Philippines, Germany, France, Belgium, Holland, Italy, you name it, we get all sorts come over to here.