English Rope Tricks - lesson 1
The first craft to carry freight on the canals fo the Industrial Revolution were drawn by a horse with a long tow-rope


With the advent of steam power, and later, diesel engines it was possible for one powered boat to tow an unpowered 'Butty'. Thus twice the load could be transported with no increase in manpower and no requirement for stabling etc en route. Photos from WRG
Evidence of the rope work can still be seen today....





On locks like this one on the Trent & Mersey











Or railings like these at Swindon on the Staffs & Worcs















On bollards like these on the Leeds & Liverpool








And bridges like this one also on the L&L