Started in 1786 with the intention of connecting the Kennet & Avon Canal with Poole in Dorset it was abandoned in 1803 with only part of a branch from near Frome to the Somerset coalfields built. The branch would have included six boat lifts, one of which was completed and successfully operated, a 300m long tunnel at Goodeaves Farm that was not completed and a 70m one at Coleford that was where there was also an impressive aqueduct that was completed but never used but still stands. Some of the abandoned canal was used for the GWr Radstock Branch and its branch to Newbury Colliery