By the end of 13th century, water was seen as a way to transport people and objects. The construction of water canals would become a on-going struggle that continues to this day. It took thirty-five years, from 1439 until 1475, to buildninety kilometers of navigable canals in the Province of Milan.

Although canals have played an important role in the UK economy, it is thought that the Chinese built the first canal in the world in the 10th Century, the Grand Canal of China. In fact, the pound lock which is still used within British canals was supposedly invested by Chhiao Wei-Yo in 983.