History
Despite the fact that the canal never saw military action, it was used to try to control smuggling from Romney Marsh. Guard houses were constructed at each bridge along its length. This met with limited success because of corrupt guards. Although a barge service was established from Hythe to Rye, the canal was abandoned in 1877 and leased to the Lords of the Level of Romney Marsh.
During the early stages of World War II, when a German invasion was looking likely, the canal was fortified with concrete pillboxes.
Read more about this topic: Royal Military Canal
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