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The History of the Canals in the UK

Alan Fitzgerald SpeakerNet Sponsor


Regions:
Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Hampshire, Surrey, Hertfordshire
Notice Period:
Emergency (maybe less than one week's notice)
Type:
Regular Probus, u3a and NT
Fee:
Paid: Talk fee £75 plus possible travel expenses
Category:
Travel
Updated:
12th February 2026

Before 1700, most British inland waterways had been built by aristocratic landowners to carry agricultural products. The canals also allowed raw materials to be transported to a place of manufacture, and finished goods to be transported to consumers, more quickly and cheaply than by a land-based route. The canal network played a vital role in the Industrial  Revolution This Talk examines the technology of the Canals from the early horse-drawn barges to the " Anderton Boat Lift and the Falkirk Wheel

Views: 9 | Enquiries: 0

About Alan Fitzgerald

Born in London I began my Engineering career as an Apprentice Draughtsman there. Following graduation with a BSc (Hons) degree I subsequently worked for UK & European Engineering companies, and American-based IT organisations, in a variety of senior Management and Technology roles. I finished full-time working at Aston University, Birmingham, supervising Post-Graduate MSc programmes. During my career I regularly presented at International Conferences in the US and Europe which I really enjoyed. Since finally retiring I have spent time pursuing my enthusiasms and interests, so several of my Talks reflect those passions and are based around the city of "London" which is the basis for some of my presentations. I update them regularly and try to introduce a couple of new ones every year. I've been a regular presenter to u3a, NT and Probus groups in the Thames Valley for a number of years, and I currently give talks about twice a month.

"Alan gave a detailed, well-presented and illustrated talk, which was very well received and prompted several questions, which were ably answered" Beaconsfield Probus Club

"Alan delivered an engaging, well-structured and enthusiastically presented talk - using everyday examples, keeping the session informative, approachable and enjoyable by making the topic relevant to daily life" Broxbourne u3a


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