Complex sentence: Trade in slate and ore was growing, so with canal mania gripping the country, a local solicitor called William Burnthwaite organised a meeting in July 1791 to consider ideas for a canal to improve access to the town.
Split into simpler sentences: Trade in slate and ore was growing, and canal mania was gripping the country. A local solicitor called William Burnthwaite organised a meeting in July 1791 to consider ideas for a canal to improve access to the town.