What might have been?

[Ray T]

 

[Heartland]

From a historical stand point it is probably inapropriate to link HS2 with the Grand Contour Canal Scheme. Whilst the Contour Canal envisaged the increased tonnage of boats and perhaps an element of increased speed, HS 2 is a specific railway project and it must be remembered that HS 1 has already been built. The Grand Contour Canal though proposed was not constructed. HS 2 whatever its faults and advatages is presently under construction.

[Pluto]

The idea dates back to the end of the 18th century, with a simplistic plan published by Hibbard in 1796.

[Heartland]

On the subject of what might have been there are many candidates.

The completion of the Leominster Canal to Stourport is this category, So must be the Hock Crib Canal as suggested by William Cubbitt so that railway crossing of the Severn could be made 12miles south of Gloucester, The Admiralty objected to that one!