Royal Military Canal (Inland Waterways Histories S.)

Garage: David & Charles, 1972. Hardcover. Used: Acceptable. Condition good, clean. ref ZKVQ The Royal Military Canal from Hythe to Winchelsea, one of the only two waterways in Great Britain built by the state, was designed as a defence against possible invasion by Napoleon. Along with the contemporary Martello towers of the south coast, it remains as much a memorial of anti-invasion measures as are the concrete pillboxes of World War II. The Canal was the idea of Lt-Col John Brown; he built it quickly and within his own estimates. But before it was finished the invasion threat, thanks to the British fleet, had passed away. For a time the canal, and the military road that ran beside it, while still maintained for defence, were set to earn their livings by tolls on commercial traffic. Later they ceased to have military value. The last barge used the canal in 1909, and now pleasure boats alone explore its evocative waters. Little was known of the canal's history until Mr Vine began his researches. Here is the story of the building and operation of the Royal Military during the century of its active life; something also about the navigable Eastern Rother that connected with it and the proposed Weald of Kent Canal that might once have done so. But the book also contains much interesting military history, not only about the invasion defence measures against France, but also of the early days of the Royal Staff Corps, who built the canal, and the transport services of the Royal Waggon Train. Canal enthusiasts, local residents, and those interested in military history will all find much that is new to them in this delightful and readable book.