Crime on the Canals

A look at the history of crimes along Great Britain’s canal network, from the author of The Origins of English Pub Names.

Throughout our islands’ history, we find tales of thieves, smugglers, thugs, and murderers. Books have been written retelling tales of bandits, footpads, highwaymen, et al, attacking the lone traveler, the horseman, the coachman, shipping line, locomotive engineer, lorry or van driver, and even pilot. Yet for almost two centuries, the majority of goods have travelled on Britain’s famed canal network. This also attracted felons of all kinds, and yet these many tales had been ignored, until now.

Within these pages, all manner of crimes are covered. From murders to muggings, parental problems to pilfering, arson, assault, smugglers, counterfeiters, and even road rage (albeit canal-style). But it is not all morbid and misery. Humor also plays a significant part in these tales. Why would a hungry man steal the inedible? Follow the policeman on foot chasing down a thief on board the narrowboat. Discover what really does lie beneath the waters of the canal. Learn canal etiquette, the hardships, the kindness, and the cruelty.

From an author whose fascination with etymology has produced many books on origins of place names, leading to an interest in the historical modes of travel across our islands, this book is the latest to follow old routes and those found along them.