Arch Bridge 66 On The Rochdale Canal – Castleton, UK - Stone Bridges on Waymarking.com

The Canal History
It was completed in 1804 and is one of three canals that cross the Pennine hills. This is the only one that doesn’t use a summit tunnel. In addition it was a broad canal with bridges and locks that allowed boats of 14 feet width to pass through.

Competition from railways and roads subsequently led to a decline in goods being carried and by 1937 the only section left in operation was at the Manchester end of the canal.

In 1965 there was talk of abandoning the canal but by this time leisure boating had become very popular in the UK and there was a campaign to keep it open. Work was started to repair the canal and the whole length finally reopened in 2002. As well as leisure boats, the canal attracts lots of walkers and cyclists along the tow path.

Details of this bridge
This small stone arch bridge was built over the tail of Slattocks Top Lock. This provides access for the old lock keeper’s cottage next to the lock. It also gives access to both sides of the lock for boaters to operate the lock gates. A lock always forms the narrowest part of the canal and so incorporating the bridge into the lock makes it smaller and cheaper to build. It also reduces the required size of the arch as the bridge only straddles the width of the lock and does not arch over the tow path.

This bridge has a set of steps at the side of the bridge leading down to a small quay, allowing boatmen to board or disembark the canal boat as it enters or leaves the lock.

This lock and adjoining bridge was made a Grade II listed building by English Heritage in 1987 before the canal was restored. link

This web site tells us that the engineer was William Jessop and at the time of listing the lower gates had been removed. The bridge is a segmental-arched bridge.

Physical Location (city, county, etc.): Slattocks, near Castleton, Greater Manchester Road, Highway, Street, etc.: Lock keeper's cottaage access road Water or other terrain spanned: The Rochdale Canal Architect/Builder: William Jessop Construction Date: 1/1/1804

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