Cotswold Canals – History
Sapperton Tunnel
At the summit came Sapperton Tunnel, the largest and longest canal tunnel built up to that time.
Even to this day, its length has only been exceeded by two other canal tunnels in England. It is 3,817 yards long and about 14 feet wide by 15 feet high.
Work on the tunnel started in 1784 and, after problems with the difficult ground and an incompetent contractor, was completed in 1789.
The first boat passed through the tunnel on the 7 mile summit pound to Cirencester in April 1789.
The years 1820 to 1845 brought many improvements to the locks and constant maintenance kept leaks to a minimum.
All locks between Chalford and South Cerney were shortened creating the characteristic double top gate recesses.
The efficiency of the navigation was marked by steadily increasing receipts which peaked in 1841.
