Britain's Best Canal Journeys, with John Sergeant

Britain's canals helped advance the nation's Industrial Revolution in the 19th century, as goods were moved from production centers to markets. Today, these once busy commercial transportation waterways now often cross pastoral, idyllic countrysides, drawing history buffs, hikers, and other tourists. Hosted by John Sergeant, this travelogue miniseries takes viewers on eight “best” canal trips in England, Wales, and Scotland. Back in the day, canals were used to transport everything from coal, cotton, and tweed, to whiskey and beer. Famed pottery maker Josiah Wedgwood employed canals to ship his product, vowing to "conquer the world, vase by vase." Cadbury chocolates were another canal-era staple. As Sergeant notes, "canals need characters," and the old canal workers were a rough bunch, putting in long, tough days, with occasional stops for copious alcoholic refreshment. With understated British humor, Sergeant portrays some colorful canal magnates, while also lending a hand at canal dry docks, taking time to lift a pint or two at canal side pubs. Sergeant delights in such architectural marvels as a "tilt bridge" (a smaller cousin to the drawbridge) and a “boatlift,” the latter literally raising a boat in the water to a higher level. Sergeant also meets today's canal neighbors and travelers, as well as a few families who actually make their home on a canal boat. Canals offer a fascinating mix of the old and new—a few are surprisingly wide and remain in use today. The canal era was surprisingly short, a victim of railroads and improvements to formerly hazardous roads, but they continue to hold scenic and historic appeal. Sure to be of interest to history and travel buffs, this is recommended. Aud: P. (S. Rees)