The Bridgwater and Taunton Canal was completed in 1827, connecting the River Tone at Taunton to the River Parrett, just south of Bridgwater.

For over fifty years, the canal barges carried considerable cargoes to and from Taunton, but this slowly declined with the competition of the railways, and, by 1906, all commercial traffic ceased.

From that time, until World War II, the canal was kept in fair condition with the water channel full, although the six locks slowly fell into disrepair.

Following several ownership changes over the years, a 1983 study had estimated that the total costs to ensure navigation over the 22.5km (14 miles) of canal would be £650,000, which included an annual sum for maintenance.

These costs were to be shared equally by the various contributors. It was to be another two years before a practical start could be made. At the end of 1991 about 16 km (10 miles), from Bridgwater Dock, had been opened to public navigation, with a regular boat trip service operating in the summer months.

A major aspect of the restoration works has been the replacement of the 'fixed' swing bridges over the Canal by new bridges capable of swinging open for boating, whilst being operated by one person. Designs resembling the Victorian originals were adopted, although as each bridge would now have to carry far heavier loads due to the increased weight of much agricultural machinery, steel would need to be incorporated into the bridge structure. Each bridge, including strengthening the abutments, cost around £30,000 in 1988. Where other low bridges were encountered, mainly lightly used agricultural crossings, these were raised to achieve the necessary headroom of just under 2.5 m (8 ft), but only if there was sufficient space on the canal sides for the extended approaches. The cost of raising a bridge was appreciably cheaper, at about £5000 each.

The six locks needed repairs to both the chambers and the gates, and, as the public would now be using the canal, each lock had to have safety chains and ladders. Four small car parks and picnic sites adjacent to the canal have also been provided, the land purchase costs for these being grant-aided by the Countryside Commission.

Early on, at the start of restoration, a Canal Committee was set up, comprising representatives of the three Councils, also attended by British Waterways, in order to oversee progress and budgeting allocations. Latterly, this was supplemented with a Users Forum, at which many organizations and interest groups involved in the canal restoration could offer points of view as and when the work proceeded.

Once restoration has been achieved throughout the total length, it is the intention of the three local authorities to press for the present designation of, 'remainder waterway' to be upgraded to 'cruiser way', and hence ensure the canal's continued protection, whilst possibly attracting additional, amenity' funding from British Waterways.

To this end, a 21-year maintenance agreement has already been entered into jointly by the three Councils with the Board, which ensures additional maintenance funds, incurred by the Board due to public navigation, are available.

In the early years of the restoration, considerable assistance was given by the MSC schemes, principally the Community Project teams, when over 30 staff was employed. At the demise of the Community Project, and with the work still unfinished, the County Council funded the retention of some of the site staff. This has enabled the project to proceed to the point where, within the next two years, it is hoped to complete the restoration of this canal.