The Smith family were prominent in Sheffield's economy from the second half of the 18th century, being involved in the iron and coal industries.

It imitated the Poolsbrook or Pools Brook from the mine to near where Tom Lane meets Staveley Road.

From here roads run 1.7 miles (2.7 km) to the Chesterfield Canal, where the cargos would be laden for taking to the River Trent and beyond.

[3] The canal was supplied with water which was pumped from the mines[4] by a Newcomen engine, which had been modified by James Watt.

Small boats were used which were capable of carrying 1.5 tons, and all goods had to be transhipped twice to reach the Chesterfield Canal.