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Worcester Canal:Salvage Turn: Holliday Wharf: Cart Tracks

C

Chris Stock

Brummie babby
Hi just wondering if anyone can tell me what the cart tracks were used for in on the tow path corner opposite the Mailbox. I think they call it Salvage turn as there was a salvage works near where the Cube is. Also The corporation Holliday Wharf occupied most of the wharf side so I suspect it was part of the Works dept that operated there. I’m intrigued to know exactly what they were part of and where they started and finished as they look very part of a bigger system. Any help from this fantastic resource greatly appreciated

IMG_9501.jpeg
 
Welcome to BHF Chris!
I think that the narrow gauge tramway laid here is a modern reconstruction using materials from elsewhere? (Unless anyone has a photo to the contrary.) The tramway would be used for carts pulled by men or horses to load or unload material from the wharf. There is a discussion on Canal World. But sadly no historic photographs. Derek https://www.canalworld.net/forums/index.php?/topic/42107-corporation-wharf-tramway-tracks/
 
Looking about on line I found this photo of Salvage Turn in 1912 (if the date is accurate). No tramlines to be seen. So they are not historically accurate, but a modern construction of 'heritage' as they give an impression of what a wharf might have been like. Without any trucks, workers, horses, rubbish (salvage materials which might be reused) or filth! (Source: Captain Ahab's Watery Tales).
Wharf at Salvage Turn on Worcester Birmingham 1912.jpg
 
Thanks, in the discussion on Canal World reference was made to extensive wharf side tramways elsewhere in Birmingham; an example would have been near the Roundhouse. Are there any photos of such canal side mechanical unloading/transport assistance at any of the Corporation Wharves notably Montague Street? I’m away of roadway hill assistance systems for horse drawn corporation waste carts. Thanks to all for replies
 
Heartland said:
Yes the tracks were added much later as a feature and have lead some trip boat commentators to make the wrong assumption that they had an industrial role. The tracks on the towpath at Dockers Brothers had a real purpose however
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Do you know if they can still be seen? Or have they been removed or covered over? I know Icknield Port Loop is a big development. I've not ventured to that part of the canal for many years. I have seen Osler street about 7 years ago and the reservoir. I've read the thread on canalworld.
 
Stokkie said:
Do you know if they can still be seen? Or have they been removed or covered over? I know Icknield Port Loop is a big development. I've not ventured to that part of the canal for many years. I have seen Osler street about 7 years ago and the reservoir. I've read the thread on canalworld.
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They are still there. I do not recall them in the past and think they are a more recent decorative addition.
 
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