John Longbotham facts for kids

John Longbotham (died 1801) was a clever engineer who helped build canals. He was a student of another famous engineer, John Smeaton. In 1766, John Longbotham suggested building the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. He even did a survey, which was approved by James Brindley, another well-known engineer. Longbotham later became the main engineer for the canal. He finished building the part between Bingley and Skipton before he left his job in 1775.

John Longbotham: Canal Builder

Early Career and Big Ideas

John Longbotham worked hard to plan the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. He prepared a detailed survey in 1768. To get more support, groups in Bradford and Liverpool promoted the canal idea. The Bradford group managed the money for the project.

However, the Liverpool group didn't like Longbotham's planned route. His route went through the valleys of the River Calder and River Ribble to Preston. They wanted a route that included more industrial towns. The Bradford group thought the Liverpool route was too long and costly.

To solve this disagreement, James Brindley was asked to decide. Brindley agreed with Longbotham's original plan. Because of this, a special law, called an Act of Parliament, was passed in 1770. This law officially allowed the canal to be built.

Building the Canal

Even though James Brindley was named the chief engineer, he didn't take the job. Instead, John Longbotham was appointed as both the chief engineer and the clerk of works. This meant he was in charge of both the design and the daily building work.

By April 1773, a part of the canal was open. Boats could travel between Bingley and Skipton. In 1774, another section was open, connecting Liverpool to Newburgh. Also, the famous Bingley Five Rise Locks and the branch canal to Bradford were completed and open for use.

Later Projects and Challenges

While working on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, Longbotham was also busy with other projects. He helped with surveys for the Bradford Canal. He also worked on plans for a proposed canal between Leeds and Selby. On top of that, he bought coal mines near Upholland, close to Wigan.

Because he was involved in so many things, the committee for the Leeds and Liverpool Canal complained. They felt he wasn't spending enough time on their project. He either resigned from his position or was dismissed. This happened because the financial records were not in order.

In 1774, Longbotham started a packet service. This was a boat service that carried passengers and goods between Liverpool and Newburgh. Later, in 1787, he did surveys for the proposed Lancaster Canal. His plan for this canal aimed to help with both boat travel and draining water from the land.

By 1791, the Leeds and Liverpool Canal committee asked for his advice again. They wanted his help with a new route for the canal. This was in response to a proposal from another engineer, Robert Whitworth. In 1792, he worked on early surveys for the Grand Western Canal across Devon and Somerset. He also worked on a proposed "Bristol and Western Canal" from the River Avon to Taunton.

Sadly, by 1800, John Longbotham was living in poverty. When he passed away in 1801, the Leeds and Liverpool Canal company paid for his funeral expenses. A television show about canal building in Britain mentioned that John Longbotham caught pneumonia and died. He never saw his big canal project fully finished.