John Varley (8 June 1740 – 16 February 1809) was an English engineer, best known for his role in the construction of the Chesterfield Canal and the Erewash Canal.
Early Life
John Varley was born on 8 June 1740 to Francis Varley (1719–1789) and Rebekah Varley in Heanor, Derbyshire. He married Hannah Pattern (1752 – c. 1784) on 13 March 1770.
Canal Engineering Career
Varley began his career as an assistant to the prominent canal engineer James Brindley. He was tasked with surveying a proposed canal from the River Don to Cinderbridge.
Chesterfield Canal
Varley, alongside James Brindley, surveyed the route of the Chesterfield Canal in 1769, estimating the cost at £94,908 17s. Following the passage of the Chesterfield to Stockwith (Trent) Canal Act 1771 (11 Geo. 3. c. 75), construction began under Brindley's direction. Upon Brindley's death in September 1772, Varley was promoted from Clerk of Works to Resident Engineer. Hugh Henshall, Brindley's brother-in-law, was appointed Chief Engineer in 1773. The canal, which opened throughout in 1777, was approximately 46 miles (74 km) long with 65 locks and two tunnels, including the major 2,880-yard Norwood Tunnel—at the time of construction, the joint longest canal tunnel in Britain.
Varley was also instructed by the Chesterfield Canal Company to build a house near the east end of the Norwood Tunnel, later known as Pennyholme, which became his home and that of his descendants for many years.
Other Canal Projects
Varley was appointed engineer for the Erewash Canal and also produced surveys for the Nutbrook Canal and the Leicestershire Line.
Death and Legacy
John Varley died at Pennyholme on 16 February 1809 and was buried at All Saints Church, Harthill, Derbyshire.
The Chesterfield Canal Trust named one of its trip boats the John Varley in his honour. A plaque commemorating the two-hundredth anniversary of his death was unveiled on 28 February 2009 at The Old School House in Harthill near Rotherham.
