portrait of James Brindley 
by Francis Parsons

James Brindley (1716-1772) had a long association with Stoke-on-Trent. 

Brindley was born in Derbyshire - apprenticed to a millwright and then set himself up in business as a wheelwright in Leek, Staffordshire.

He was commissioned as a consulting engineer to the 3rd Duke of Bridgewater to help improve transport of coal from his mines via the canal network. 

Brindley's reputation soon spread and he was soon commissioned to construct more canals, including his major work, the Trent and Mersey Canal.

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The Leopard, Burslem:  

In 1765 the first meeting was held in Burslem's Leopard Inn - between Josiah Wedgwood and Thomas Bentley, Erasmus Darwin and the engineer James Brindley  which culminated in the cutting of the Trent and Mersey Canal.   

• The Leopard Inn, Burslem 

Harecastle tunnel:  

The first tunnel at harecastle on the Trent and Mersey canal , designed by Brindley, was opened in 1777, some five years after his death. It is 2,897 yards long by 8ft 6in. wide and was in constant use until 1914.

• Harecastle Tunnel

• Listing details

• Boathorse Road, Harecastle

Brindley's grave and epitath:

James Brindley died at his home at Turnhurst (Stoke-on-Trent) within sight of the unfinished Harecastle Tunnel on the Trent and Mersey Canal, on 27 September 1772.

He was buried in the grounds of St. James's Church Newchapel - a commemorative plaque was erected on the grave in 1956.

• St. James's Church

• Brindley's grave and epitath 

Statue of James Brindley at Etruria Locks

In 1990 a statue of Brindley was erected at the junction of the Trent and Mersey and Caldon Canals.

• Statue of James Brindley at Etruria Locks