FOSS DYKE

The 'Foss Dyke', or 'Fossdyke', is the oldest canal in England, constructed by the Romans around 120 AD and still in use. It connects the Trent at Torksey to the Witham at Lincoln, and is about 18 km (11mi) long and possibly follows the original line of the Trent, which emptied into the Wash in prehistoric times.
It was used by the Danes when they invaded England and by the Normans to carry stone to build Lincoln Cathedral. King Henry I is recorded as having deepened the canal in 1121 but it deteriorated until by the 17thC it was virtually impassible. Katherine Swynford, who lived in the area, is credited with having organized a protest to repair it, in 1375^[1]. King James I transferred ownership to the Corporation of Lincoln and acts of Parliament were passed in 1753 and 1762 for straightening and dredging it. It received further work in 1840 but with the coming of the railway in 1846 its use declined.
At one time a major waterway for the transport of wool, it is now mostly of leisure use, though the transport of grain continued until 1972. It has one lock at Torksey, has a new marina at Burton Waters and passes through the village of Saxilby.

Contents

See also

See also

★ Canals of the United Kingdom

★ History of the British canal system

★ Nicholsons Guide to the Waterways (vol 6)