The Canal Duke 23rd November

The Society welcomed back one of our favourite speakers, local historian, Bernard Dennis. Bernard talked last time about Sir Thomas Egerton, a local lad who made good in high offices of state under Queen Elizabeth and King James 1. Tonight's talk continued the Egerton saga with details of the life of one of his descendants, Francis Egerton, the Duke of Bridgwater. Francis Egerton was known as the 'Canal Duke' because he was one of the men instrumental in launching the canal age. The Duke, who had inherited lands including Tatton Park and coal mines at Worsley, recognised the canals as an effective way of transporting goods, particularly coal, to and from the industrial areas. His fortunes, land and good contacts, allowed him to the build the Bridgewater Canal linking Worsley to the Mersey.