Nice illustration of how canals and river navigations opened up Britain's economy, forging it into a single domestic market. Shaded bits show the land more than 15 miles from sea or navigable river, and thus reliant on more expensive overland transport. Huge change 1600 to 1760. 
Source: A. W. Skempton (1953) The Engineers of the English River Navigations 1620-1760, Transactions of the Newcomen Society, 29:1, 25-54
Another fun little stat: before 1600 about 600 miles of England's rivers were navigable. ~200 miles were added 1620-1700, another ~400 in 1700-60, and over 600 in 1760-1800.
Overall, 1600-1800 England's navigable rivers were increased from about 600 to 2,000 miles.
Overall, 1600-1800 England's navigable rivers were increased from about 600 to 2,000 miles.
