History of the Cannock Extension Canal
A late addition to the Birmingham Canal Navigations, the Cannock Extension Canal appeared in 1863 and was the last narrow-gauge canal of any significant length to be constructed. Originally 5.5 miles long and lockless, it runs northwards from Pelsall Common and once extended to basins in the colliery town of Hednesford.
Heavy mining activity meant the Cannock Extension suffered serious subsidence, and during one week in the summer of 1960 it fell an astonishing 21ft - necessitating rapid reconstruction of the banks to prevent water bursting over the top. Despite surviving this, the line between the A5 and Hednesford Basins was abandoned only a few years later. This was a far cry from the days of Hednesford's 'midday tide' at the peak of coal carrying, when it was said that a rise in water level of several inches was created by the movement of so many boats pushing water ahead of them.
The Churchbridge Branch from Rumer Hill Junction connected via the Hatherton Branch with the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal at Hatherton Junction. It is currently being restored to reconnect with the Cannock Extension and reinstate the link from the northern BCN to the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal.
