and they were further empowered to raise £10,000 on mortgage, if the former sum should not be sufficient. By this act the rates of tonnage are increased one half, excepting on that part of the navigation extending from the junction with the Dearne and Dove Canal at the aqueduct, to Barnby Basin, for vessels which come out of, or enter, the Dearne and Dove Canal, or on the railways connected, or that may be connected with this portion of the Barnsley Canal. An exception to the additional charge is also made on all flag, paving-stone, lime-stone, or lime, navigating on this part of the canal, which shall previously have been navigated on the Dearne and Dove Canal.
This canal was projected principally with the view of opening the very valuable and extensive coal fields in the neighbourhood of Barnsley and Silkstone, and its execution has had the effect of introducing the coal, worked in the latter place, into the London Market, where it holds a distinguished place among the Yorkshire Coals. The making of this canal has also been of incalculable advantage to the agriculturists in its vicinity, by the facility it gives to the introduction of Knottingley Lime; but it has been more particularly experienced by those who are employed in bringing into cultivation the vast tracts of moor land lying to the north and west of its termination at Barnby Basin. The depth of this canal is 5 feet, the width of the locks 15 feet, and the length 66 feet.
When the second act was obtained, authorizing the advance of £60 for every £100 share, it was deemed so unpropitious as to induce a many original subscribers to dispose of their shares, at the rate of £5 each, after having advanced the whole amount authorized to be raised by the first act, and these shares are now (1829) valued at £325 per share.
The canal was opened on the 8th of June, 1799, but the railroad to Silkstone was not commenced until after the passing of the act of 48th George III.
BASINGSTOKE CANAL.
- 18 George III. Cap. 75, Royal Assent 15th May, 1778.
- 33 George III. Cap. 16, Royal Assent 28th March, 1793.
This canal commences from the navigable River Wey, one mile and three quarters south from the village of Weybridge, and
