-
Welcome to this forum . We are a worldwide group with a common interest in Birmingham and its history. While here, please follow a few simple rules. We ask that you respect other members, thank those who have helped you and please keep your contributions on-topic with the thread.
We do hope you enjoy your visit. BHF Admin Team
A canal that never was built
- Thread starter mikejee
- Start date
Blimey, £600,000 in 1886, pricey! Viv.
Pedrocut
Master Barmmie
Heartland
master brummie
The article mentions one of several schemes proposed to improve inland navigation in the UK using incline planes or boat lifts that were not proceeded with although dicussed at length at the time.
The route to the Severn from Birmingham involved either the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal to Stourport or the more direct line via the Worcester & Birmingham Canal. As originally conceived the Worcester and Birmingham Canal would have been a barge canal throughout. That scheme was cut back to a barge width waterway from Birmingham to Tardebigge and boat lifts then to the Severn at Worcester. The Tardebigge boat lift after trial was replaced by a deep lock and all the way to Diglis narrow locks were made.
There were 57 locks between Tardebigge and the Severn with only the last two being barge width. Proposals for improvement failed to happen.
The route to the Severn from Birmingham involved either the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal to Stourport or the more direct line via the Worcester & Birmingham Canal. As originally conceived the Worcester and Birmingham Canal would have been a barge canal throughout. That scheme was cut back to a barge width waterway from Birmingham to Tardebigge and boat lifts then to the Severn at Worcester. The Tardebigge boat lift after trial was replaced by a deep lock and all the way to Diglis narrow locks were made.
There were 57 locks between Tardebigge and the Severn with only the last two being barge width. Proposals for improvement failed to happen.
Brummie a long time ago
master brummie
I remember a while ago, more than 20 years now, a friend bought a canal boat from up country, quite a long one. I volunteered to help her bring it back down to moorings. We came through the Tardebigge flight, about 30 locks I think. We took turns at each lock cranking the handle and pushing the beams. We were fitter then. I also remember going through a very long tunnel on the same trip, (Kings Norton ??) completely black apart from the Lucas square eight light mounted on the front. She sat right at the front like some sort of figurehead and left me at the back doing the driving. I turned the light off a few times just for giggles, and to learn a few new words. We were so dark adapted, that when we came out, we had to park (collide) with the bank for 15 mins so we could see again to move on.
Andrew.
Andrew.
Richard Dye
master brummie
Was the Manchester canal every built & finished?
Richard Dye
master brummie
Thanks Mike! Given the article that you posted, that might have been a “miss” for not building the Birmingham canal. Might have had 100 years use!
Heartland
master brummie
The Manchester Ship Canal still has traffic along it including container ships, but nothing like it was. The Gloucester & Sharpness Canal also had ships of a certain size that went up to Gloucester, but that traffic ceased some years ago. The River Weaver also had large craft that went as far as the Salt Works near Anderton
Heartland
master brummie
Forms of ship canals were proposed in different parts of the country during the 1880's and later. Sheffield was one place where a scheme was suggested. This canal was to link the existing canal at Tinsley with the Don near the various steelworks which were served by rail. The number of weirs up to that point led to a new route being proposed.
The line would have joined the Don near the Crown Steel and Wire Works. Such was their need for navigation access then included a wharf, not built, in the engraving made in 1879 of their premises!
The line would have joined the Don near the Crown Steel and Wire Works. Such was their need for navigation access then included a wharf, not built, in the engraving made in 1879 of their premises!
Attachments
Richard Dye
master brummie
Heartland, that is a very nice illustration.
Heartland
master brummie
It is from a Sheffield Guide of 1879, and has formed a matter of discussion on another website.
As noted the Midlands featured in various canal improvement schemes and canals continue to be altered to suit new infrastructure. In recent times new roads have led to alterations and canal restoration projects also lead to new lines of canal being contemplated. The Lichfield & Hatherton Canal plan with the help of HS 2 to make a link with the Coventry Canal is a example.
There is also the work started at Typhoo Basin which will see alterations to the former tea factory there.
As noted the Midlands featured in various canal improvement schemes and canals continue to be altered to suit new infrastructure. In recent times new roads have led to alterations and canal restoration projects also lead to new lines of canal being contemplated. The Lichfield & Hatherton Canal plan with the help of HS 2 to make a link with the Coventry Canal is a example.
There is also the work started at Typhoo Basin which will see alterations to the former tea factory there.
