pickfords :: 1760-1840 - The Canal Age: "Pickfords entered canal transport in the 1780's with a number of narrow boats. In 1790, a writer commented on the flow of goods by canal from the north of England to Coventry 'from whence they are taken to London by Mr Pickford's wagons, who has large warehouses on the wharf to store goods.' We also know that in 1794 Pickfords' boats were departing daily from Castle Quay for Coventry.

The result was that Pickfords grew into a business handling road and waterborne traffic throughout most of the country. In 1795, the company had 10 boats registered. By 1838, it had 116 boats plus 398 horses to haul them. To feed the horses, hay was hung from bridges on the way. "

good background