Canals reached their zenith in the eighteenth century during the Industrial Revolution, before the arrival of the railways usurped their position, whereupon a number of them fell into disrepair and disuse. For many years forgotten, canals and waterways have enjoyed an enormous resurgence in popularity as the recent leisure industry has placed them once more at the forefront of a lively community. This fascinating book delves into the murkiest criminal cases to occur or be associated with the canals and waterways of Britain, including many high-profile murders, and considering other crimes such as pick-pocketing, robberies, drunkenness and assaults. Also looking at the use of canal crime in film and literature, this illustrated history offers a chilling glimpse into the criminal past.

Shropshire's reputation as one of England's most haunted counties is certainly well founded... and all manner of ghosts, ghouls and phantoms inhabit the ancient towns and villages, ruined castles adn rolling countryside. From wicked stepmothers and vicious outlaws to gentle giants and heroic Civil War soldiers, Haunted Shropshire will take the reader on a spooky journey around this historic county. All areas of Shropshire are covered, with a special guided 'ghost walk' around Shrewsbury, the county town, which is crammed with spectres and spirits. Illustrated with a range of beautiful line drawings, this title is ideal for anyone who wants to explore the ghostly side of Shropshire.

This fascinating volume takes a look at some of the strange and unexplained hauntings reported across Britain's canal and waterways network: echoes in dark tunnels; stone steps stained red with blood spilled long ago; ghostly footsteps accompanying barges beneath a bridge... Mixing long-established ghostly tales with first-hand accounts, Allan Scott-Davies presents a grisly collection of supernatural stories. From the screaming ghost near Market Drayton to the Roman soldier in Chester guarding the canal, the drowning man at Lapworth and the white lady of the Hatton flight, all is revealed with a map of locations and, for some of the more haunted sites, a guided tour map. This illustrated book is sure to delight lovers of the waterways and paranormal alike.