In the great 'Canal Mania' of the late eighteenth century, the year 1793 was one of the busiest. Hundreds of miles of inland waterways were either in use, under construction, being planned, surveyed or dreamed about. These stamps are an evocation of that heroic age and a reminder of a rich history of a waterway system that, two hundred years on, has become one of our most valuable leisure amenities.

A Cruikshank print of 1797 showing a canal promoters' meeting. The man on the right is reading a 'Report of the Engineer Respecting the Intended Canal'.

Grand Junction Canal. The stamp shows narrow boats on the canal, which was authorised by Parliament in 1793 as a new trunk route between Birmingham and London.

Stainforth and Keadby Canal. The stamp shows Humber keels on the canal, whose Act was passed in 1793. Via the River Trent, it gave access to the Yorkshire coalfield.

Brecknock and Abergavenny Canal. The stamp shows horse-drawn boats on the canal, which was given the go-ahead in 1793 but not completed until 1812.

Crinan Canal. The stamp shows fishing boats and 'puffers' on the canal, a short cut from Scotland's west coast that was given parliamentary approval in 1793.