Since Norman times and perhaps before, most of the local rivers were used to transfer goods inland to and from the sea. The Romans were credited with using the Caer Dyke to link the Welland and the Nene across country but it wasn’t a canal but a channel.
It must be remembered that the sea level and coast line was completely different to modern times
The main navigable rivers in the area were:
The River Witham to Lincoln via Boston.
The River Welland to Stamford via Sleaford.
The River Nene to Peterborough via Wisbech.
The River Ouse into Kings Lynn and beyond.
What was used before the canal?
The Stamford Canal << The earliest proper canal in England? <<
