[1] The other major obstacle to a level canal was a bluff of land near a large bend in the River Severn just to the east of Shrewsbury.

A route closer to the river might have been possible and would have avoided a tunnel[2] if a large landscaped park at Attingham Hall had not been created there in 1786, to the design of Humphry Repton.

[3] Josiah Clowes was the engineer for the canal from the start of its construction until his death in 1795, and the tunnel was his design.

The tunnel was around 10 feet (3.0 m) wide, and the wooden towpath was fixed to bearers built into the wall.

To overcome this, a byelaw was introduced which stated that whoever reached the centre first should continue, whilst the other boat would have to turn back.