It’s difficult to feature a story about Birmingham’s canals without mentioning the amazing claim that the city has more of them than Venice!
But while our 35 miles of canal waterways may not have brought along a similar lifestyle that Venicians have come to know, the Brummie waterways are an integral part of city life.
Back in the day they played an important role in driving the industrial revolution by offering an efficient mode of transport to move goods around the country.
They’re an iconic symbol of the city too - and a key feature in the world famous Peaky Blinders series.
These days modern developments are giving people more access to enjoy them.
People love to stroll along them, cycle by them or sit and enjoy a meal or drink beside them.
Some people even live on them in the narrowboats - or take a trip or holiday along them.
Here are 15 fab photos of Birmingham canals from 1872 to 2021 to whet your appetite for a visit to one soon!
1. A converted cargo canal barge ‘Water Rambler’ carrying passengers between Oxford and Birmingham in June 1957
2. US President Bill Clinton flashes a V thumb-up as he stands on the terrance of the Malt House, an old brewery overlooking one of the canals in Birmingham city centre, shortly before attending the G8 world leaders summit on 15 May 1998
3. US President Bill Clinton waves to well-wishers as he strolls on the canal followed by unidentified officials before joining other heads of State for opening of the G8 world leaders summit on 15 May, 1998
4. Japanese Prime minister Ryutaro Hashimoto walks with his delegation along the canal in after he left the conference center at the end of the G8 economic summit on 17 May, 1998