Construction of the branch started in 1786, using boat lifts rather than locks to cope with changes of level, but the company ran out of money and the canal was abandoned in 1803, never to be completed.

By the time he reported back in September 1793, the route started from the Kennet and Avon Canal at Freshford, Somerset, rather than Bath, and having passed through Stalbridge, headed for Blandford rather than Wareham.

Short branches to Hamworthy and Wareham were added to the scheme, and the proposed junction with the Kennet and Avon Canal was later moved to Widbrook.

[2] By the time parliamentary approval was sought, the southern end had been cut back to Shillingstone, to reduce the cost, and an act of Parliament[which?]

Construction began on the branch line, and about 8 miles (13 km) of canal was built, from Stratton Common towards Frome, passing through Coleford and Vobster.

The idea of using vertical boat lifts was proposed by James Fussell,[6] owner of the nearby Mells ironworks, and his particular design, known as a balance lock, was patented in 1798.

[11] Several features are still visible including a bridge that once carried the Edford to Stratton Common road over the canal[12] and an aqueduct at Coleford, with two semi-circular arches nearly 33 feet (10 m) across and a similar height.