Two Councillors have donated £544 towards a Blue Plaque that celebrates 250 years of the Chesterfield Canal being rerouted to run through Retford.
The original route of the canal was intended to go from Chesterfield to Bawtry. But the canal’s engineer, James Brindley, announced that the route would be bypass Bawtry and run through Retford. It is this meeting at the Crown Inn on January 25 1770 that the plaque commemorates, with the canal eventually reaching Retford in 1774.
Cllrs Dan Henderson and John Manners, Bassetlaw District Council Ward Members for East Retford East jointly donated the funds through their Councillor Community Grants.
Cllr Dan Henderson, said: “The Chesterfield Canal played an important role in shaping the history of Retford. I am very pleased that I have had the opportunity to award councillor grant funding to ensure this important milestone in our history is commemorated with a Blue Plaque. Retford has a rich heritage, and thanks must go to Chesterfield Canal Trust and Retford Civic Society for helping to ensure it is preserved for future generations.”
The plaque can be found on the former Crown Inn, opposite St Swithun’s Church and most recently known as Yates pub.
Rod Auton, Secretary of the Chesterfield Canal Trust said: “We are very grateful to Cllrs Henderson and Manners for donating towards the blue plaque and we are delighted to be unveiling it on Retford Heritage Day because the canal has been a feature of life in Retford for 250 years.”
The Canal plays a huge part in Retford’s history which stretches back to the late 18th century. Engineer James Brindley started the construction of the Canal with work completed by John Varley and Hugh Henshall.
The route runs from Chesterfield in Derbyshire, passing through South Yorkshire, through Worksop and Retford linking up with the River Trent at West Stockwith. It was seen a vital source for trade with Coal, Lead, Limestone, and Iron Ore being able to pass through the towns to other areas in the district.
In 2027, the Chesterfield Canal Trust will be celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the first boat that went from West Stockwith to Chesterfield. All donations go on restoring the last nine miles of the Canal which would finally link up the original route that first opened in 1777. To get involved and donate to the trust: 2027 Restoration Appeal (chesterfield-canal-trust.org.uk)
Each Bassetlaw District Councillor is allocated a small budget and has the discretion to award grants to community activities that will benefit the community within their respective electoral ward areas. Councillors will consider grant applications for sports; culture and heritage; environment and sustainability; social welfare; and community activities.
