In the late eighteenth century, work began on a canal to link Chesterfield with the River Trent. This canal was routed through Kiveton Park and was to have lasting effects on the development of the village. It also gave Kiveton one of its claims to fame, for it was on the canal that stone was taken from Kiveton Park (at Dog Kennels, where Kiveton Park station is now) for the building of the Palace of Westminster.

The canal ran very close to the pit workings at Kiveton Park Colliery: nestled between pit tips was ‘Tunnel Top’, a landmark at the pit top where children would play under the arial roadway and buckets which carried pit waste to the tips.

Over recent years the canal has seen a remarkable rejuvenation, with what were once long stretches of stagnant and waste-filled sludge replaced by a tranquil and clear canal, with wildlife flourishing along its banks.

• Chesterfield Canal History
  

  Read the first part of an excellent summary of the history of the Chesterfield Canal by Christine Richardson, the rest of which can be found on the Chesterfield Canal Trust's website.

  
  
• Canal Ride Video
  

  See the film of the Chesterfield Canal taken by Len Gibson on a recent trip the History Society was invited on by the Chesterfield Canal Trust.

  
  
• Historical Notes
  

  Read historical notes about the canal by Lance Wilks.

  
  
• Canal Photos
  

  Lance examined the banks of the canal for historical objects, recording its historical features in the 1990s - browse his photographs here.

  
  
• Canal Restoration Photos
  

  Learn about the restoration of the canal in these photographs taken by Lance.

  
  
• Local Navvies Killed in Norwood Tunnel?
  

  A short article about the Norwood Tunnel and the men who died during its construction.