James Barnes (engineer)

[1] In May 1786, Barnes was appointed Surveyor of the Works for the Oxford Canal Company at a salary of £50 per annum.

[2] The success of the work with the Oxford Canal Company led an agreement with George Nugent-Temple-Grenville, 1st Marquess of Buckingham to survey a route from Braunston to London which resulted in the formation of the Grand Junction Canal.

[3] In 1799 he prepared plans for a route from the Leicestershire and Northamptonshire Union Canal to Braunston, but this was not proceeded with.

Richard Austin acquired an interest in Dunnell Brewery, North Bar, Banbury, and James was also involved in this business.

A memorial was erected in the church where is he proudly described as the ‘Principal Engineer of the Grand Junction Canal’.