Foss Dyke

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The Foss Dyke, or Fosse Dyke is the oldest canal in England, constructed by the Romans around 120 AD and still in use. It connects the Trent at Torksey to the Witham at Lincoln, and is about 18 km (11mi) long.

Brayford Pool in Lincoln where the Foss Dyke meets the River Witham

King Henry I is recorded as having deepened the canal in 1121, and it received further work in 1840. Katherine Swynford, who lived in the area, is credited with having organized a protest to repair it, in 1375 (J.W. Hill, Medieval Lincoln, p. 312).

At one time a major waterway for the transport of wool, it is now mostly used by tourists.

The canal lends its name to the Foss Dyke Brass Band of Lincoln. See [Foss Dyke Brass Band home page]

See also

• Canals of the United Kingdom
• History of the British canal system

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