Birmingham to London 1840

[Eyesee]

John EDWARDS and family were in Birmingham from about 1834 to about 1840-41 when they moved to London. They had three small children with them when they moved and his wife could have been pregnant with the fourth, who was born in London late 1841. They were in London by the census in June 1841.

Can anyone suggest how they would have traveled. Were the canals up and running by then, or were they mainly used for freight.

Thanks.
Ian C

[Ruskie]

It can only ever be speculation and guesswork, but maybe:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/London_and_Birmingham_Railway
Canal (I have no idea about canal transport but presume if freight was being moved a few paying passengers could have been accommodated as well)
Coach
Walking
Or a combination of several forms of transport.
 

[Eyesee]

Thanks Ruskie.

Thought that it would have been too early for the railway, but perhaps not if it was opened in 1838.

Ian C

[barryd]

London and Birmingham Railway

The 112-mile (180 km) railway line which the above company opened in 1838, between London and Birmingham was the first intercity line to be built into London.

[Greenvale]

It would be either the railway or by canal as the coach service between London and Birmingham ceased in 1839
 http://www.rrtha.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Road-Transport-History-Association-Journal-69-August-2012.pdf

[KGarrad]

What was your chap's occupation?
Is it possible that he owned a horse and cart?

Certainly a feasible journey by horse and cart at the time.
Even using a hand-cart, the journey would be possible.

Our ancestors were more used to walking than we are!

[Eyesee]

John Edwards was a carpenter and joiner. Not sure he would have had a horse and cart then.

Ian C

[IMBER]

An express "Fly Boat" canal passenger service operated between Birmingham and London into the 1850s.

Imber

[ShaunJ]

Here's the list of London to Birmingham land conveyances from Pigots 1839 London directory. These were the transport options: