In the mid-18th century Lancaster was a prosperous port but this was threatened as ships grew in size making navigating up the River Lune difficult. Whilst the port at Liverpool in the south was flourishing, the future of the ports of Lancaster and Milnthorpe was in doubt. In an effort to re-invigorate trade, the merchants proposed building a canal which would start at Kendal and run almost due south through Lancaster, to Preston. Initially the scheme did not attract support in the town but eventually in 1770, a group determined to put Lancaster on the canal map won out and John Rennie was asked to survey the canal. (more…)