Author:
[The Rochdale Canal Company; John Bill, Farley Hall; William Bilsborrow, Haslingden; Samuel Greg, Rochdale; Thomas Marriott, Stockport; John Robert Ogden, Bradford; N. & F. Phillipps, Manchester]
Publication details:
The nine letters to Shuttleworth, 1800-1802, from: Farley Hall, Staffordshire; Haslingden; Halifax; Bradford; Coventry; Rochdale; Great Fenton. The letter to Crossley from Manchester in 1813.
The Rochdale Canal was conceived in 1776, and despite opposition from mill owners fearing a disruption to their water supply, began construction following the passing of an act of parliament in 1794. On completion (it was officially opened in 1804), and until the railway age, it constituted the main commercial route between Yorkshire and Lancashire. The present small collection provides an interesting sidelight into the legal and financial difficulties involved in the project, with several reference reflecting badly on Shuttleworth's professional capabilities.
