By ADF Newsdesk –

In this episode of the African Descendants Forum, host Dr Milton Brown dives deep into the “murky depths” of British history with Professor Jodie Matthews from Manchester Metropolitan University.

While many see Britain’s canals as peaceful sites for leisure and weekend walks, Professor Matthews’ research reveals a more complex reality: these were the literal arteries of the British Empire.

From the investment of “blood money” from the transatlantic slave trade into local infrastructure to the transit of slave-produced cotton and indigo into the heart of the North, we explore how the canals connected the Caribbean directly to towns like Huddersfield, Manchester, and Birmingham.

How do we “un-erase” the colonial story from our landscape without losing the community’s love for these green spaces?

Professor Jodie Matthews is a scholar at Manchester Metropolitan University whose work for the Canal & River Trust has fundamentally reshaped our understanding of the British industrial landscape. She is the author of The British Industrial Canal, which explores these networks from the 18th century to the present day.

How has this conversation changed how you see your local canal? Drop a comment below. If you value these deep dives into the hidden histories that shape our world, please Like, Subscribe, and Share.