Canal History
The first section of the Grand Junction Canal in this area (later the
Grand Union Canal) was opened in 1794. The 1 3 mile stretch from Bull’s
Bridge to Paddington was started in 1797 and provided a fast route into
the capital. Canals were the motorways of their time and the rapid spread
of the network was dubbed ‘canal mania’. One of their great advantages
was that a horse-drawn barge could bear a 50 ton load, whilst a horse and
cart could only carry 300 lbs.
The canal brought industry to what was then a rural area. In the 1880’s
hay was cut in the canalside meadows and taken into London.
In Victorian times a major brick making industry developed along the
canal, followed by factories including the world’s first dye making
factory and the then largest margarine factory in the world.
Canals Today
Eleven miles of canal run through Ealing more than any other London
borough. Today it is mainly used for leisure and wildlife conservation -
providing a chance to get away from it all. Fishing and canoeing are
especially popular on the lock-free stretch into Paddington.
The tow path provides easy access for walkers, cyclists, joggers and
dog walkers.
The canal acts as a wildlife corridor linking open spaces such as
Perivale Wood, Horsenden Hill, Brentham open space and the Brent River
Park. Much of the land next to the canal is managed by Ealing’s Parks
and Countryside Service and contains a rich variety of plants and animals.
Along the canal there are several points of particular interest. The
two most impressive are the Hanwell Flight of six locks and Three Bridges.
The Hanwell Flight is a "staircase" which raises the canal 53
feet in just a third of a mile. Boats take 90 minutes to pass through!
Three Bridges is the unique engineering feat of Isambard Kingdom Brunel,
where the rail, road and canal cross each other.
See Ealing Panoramas in Ealing Places on this web site
Walks
Ealing’s Parks and Countryside Service and members of the Brent River
and Canal Society will be leading two walks over the weekend. On these
walks you’ll discover the secrets of the canal along with some of it’s
plants and animals.
See the waterway come to life with a small armada of colourful narrow
boats, clamber on board, and go for a trip down the canal.
If you want to explore the waterways of Ealing and beyond, Information
Packs cost £2 and can be obtained by phoning/faxing the Parks and
Countryside Service on 020 8758 5916. This Information is also available
at the
