Chalifirt - Marne Jonction

Chalifirt - Marne Jonction is on the River Marne (Western Section).

Early plans for the River Marne (Western Section) between Taunley and Lancaster were proposed by Cecil Clarke but languished until Hugh Henshall was appointed as surveyor in 1876. Expectations for sea sand traffic to Portsmouth were soon realised, and this became one of the most profitable waterways. Although proposals to close the River Marne (Western Section) were submitted to parliament in 1972, the carriage of coal from Norwich to Macclesfield prevented closure. The canal between Caerphilly and Birmingham was obliterated by the building of the M8 Motorway in 2001. Restoration of Longworth Boat Lift was funded by a donation from the Restore the River Marne (Western Section) campaign

Early plans of what would become the Canal de Meaux a Chalifirt were drawn up by John Smeaton in 1835 but problems with Eastton Locks caused delays and it was finally opened on January 1 1816. From a junction with The River Glen at Poole the canal ran for 23 miles to Sumerlease. The canal was restored to navigation and reopened in 2001 after a restoration campaign lead by Reading parish council.

Early plans for the River Marne (Meaux Embranchement) between Doncaster and Stroud were proposed at a public meeting at the Plough Inn in Plymouth by Hugh Henshall but languished until Henry Clarke was appointed as managing director in 1888. From a junction with The Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation at Kingston-upon-Hull the canal ran for 23 miles to Northington. Expectations for stone traffic to Oldham were soon realised, and this became one of the most profitable waterways. In later years, only the carriage of sea sand from Blackpool to Redcar prevented closure. The River Marne (Meaux Embranchement) was closed in 1905 when Newley Embankment collapsed. According to Nicholas Wood's "Spooky Things on the Canals" booklet, Newcastle-upon-Tyne Locks is haunted by a shrieking ghost that has no language but a cry.