Canal Lock engineered by James Brindley

The canal network played a vital part in the industrial history and growth of the West Midlands.

It opened up the region, its goods and raw materials to the rest of the country and beyond as it became the centre of the 'workshop of the world'.

In the middle of the 18th century, canal pioneer James Brindley faced a number of hurdles in his bid to build a network of canals, things like cost and water supplies.

He engineered the narrow 'Brindley Lock' to get boats up and down narrow canals which were cheaper to build and used less water.

Investors were keener to get on board and the network expanded.

Christine Richardson, author of 'James Brindley - Canal Pioneer' said: "Without narrow canals and their crucial narrow locks, the Industrial Revolution that came about in the Midlands would not have gone on to change the world."

(Picture courtesy of British Waterways)