As originally built in 1790, the Oxford Canal was a great example of the contour canals favoured by James Brindley. Following the level of the landscape removed the need for (expensive and technically challenging at the time) locks and earthworks, at the expense of time and distance for the carriers.

At the time the Oxford was the primary link between the midlands and London, via the Thames. Over time this winding route became a serious impediment to trade, so between 1831 and 1834, in the face of emerging competition, the northern section was straightened, removing some of the more extreme loops and reducing the overall distance by nearly 15 miles.

The Griff Arm of the Coventry served that colliery. The Arbury Canals were a mix of estate landscaping and commercial use.