Shropshire Union Canal - Ellesmere Port Ship Lock - Ellesmere Port, UK - Waterway Locks, Planes and Lifts on Waymarking.com

The Shropshire and Union Canal
The first part of the canal between Ellesmere Port and Chester, originally known as the Ellesmere Canal, was started in 1795 to join up with the Chester Canal. It was then later extended and amalgamated with other canals to become the Shropshire Union Canal.

At the time it was built the northern end of the canal at Ellesmere Port connected with the River Mersey allowing transshipment of goods between the inland canal network and the port of Liverpool on the Mersey.

In 1892 a new wharf was built when the Manchester Ship Canal was built to connect Manchester with the River Mersey to give this inland town a direct outlet to the sea and the possibility to bypass Liverpool.

The end of the Ship canal here was built next to the River Mersey and the Ellesmere Canal now connected with the Ship Canal, and then the River Mersey rather than directly with the Mersey.

The Lock
This large lock built to cope with vessels from the River Mersey known as Mersey Flats gives access to the lower basin at the docks.

There is a swing bridge to the north of the lock that gives vehicular access to the lower basin and a hotel. A minimum 8 hours notice is required for this bridge to be opened.

Although few if any commercial traffic still uses the port, the Manchester Ship Canal still does and carries large ocean going vessels. It is possible for leisure boats to access the Ship Canal to join with other canals on the network but special permits are are required and advance notice.

The lock is a Historic England Grade II Listed Building.
"ELLESMERE PORT & NESTON DOCKS BASIN SJ 4077 7/12 Lock to Lower basin - GV II c.1795 design Thomas Telford Superintending Engineer. Two pairs of wide, heavy timber lock gates to lower basin from Ship Canal (originally from Mersey). With heavy wrought iron pivoting gear and surmounted by catwalks of 4 planks with stanchions and double chain safety rails. All lock gate timbers renewed 1983 with original ironwork. Stone retaining walls." link

The Canal and River Trust have an extensive Waterways Museum at Ellesmere Port and is well worth a visit.

Waterway Name: Shropshire Union Canal Connected Points: It links the canal system of the West Midlands, at Wolverhampton, with the River Mersey and Manchester Ship Canal at Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, 66 miles (106 km) distant. Other links are to the Llangollen Canal (at Hurleston Junction), the Middlewich Branch (at Barbridge Junction), which itself connects via the Wardle Canal with the Trent and Mersey Canal, and the River Dee (in Chester). With two connections to the Trent and Mersey (via the Middlewich Branch and the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal). Type: Lock Date Opened: 01/01/1795 Elevation Difference (meters): 1.00 Site Status: Operational Web Site: [Web Link] Date Closed (if applicable): Not listed

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