William Jessop was an English civil engineer and canal builder, born in 1800. He is best known for his work on the Grand Junction Canal and the Birmingham Canal Navigations, which significantly improved transportation in the Midlands. His engineering skills contributed to the development of the canal system during the Industrial Revolution. In addition to his canal projects, Jessop was involved in various railway ventures, including the North Midland Railway. His innovative designs and construction techniques helped shape the infrastructure of the time, making him a key figure in the advancement of transportation in 19th-century England.