Aqueducts of the Inland Waterways: Anson Aqueduct

Saturday, 5 December 2009

Anson Aqueduct

Anson Aqueduct

Anson Branch Canal (derelict) BCN

New photos taken by the Captain in November 2009.

East face of old railway aqueduct on Anson Arm (BCN) - plus Jeff

This structure remains in water and is located on the southern section of the 1.5 mile Anson Branch stub, which linked to the Walsall Canal and served collieries at Reedswood (now a park) and also limestone quarries near Bentley.

Western face of old railway aqueduct on Anson Arm near junction with Bentley Canal

The arched structure was built of Staffordshire blue bricks in 1830, and now carries the canal over Morarchs Way, a walking / cycle path which links to Halesowen.

The northern section of the Anson Branch was severed by the construction of Junction 10 of the M6 in the early 1960's but can still be identified, albeit in a very weeded up state.

My thanks for Mr Truth who spotted the remains of the arm in his wanderings around Walsall.

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What this site is about:

Most elements of the UK's inland waterways are best appreciated from the water, either in a boat or from the towpath. However, the same can't be said of the many aqueducts without which the inland waterways system couldn't exist.

There is always something amazing about seeing a boat floating across the skyline. This was true when Brindley built the first aqueduct over the Irwell at Barton, and the thousands of tourists that flock to Pontcysyllte each year will probably say the same today.

From a boaters perspective, these impressive structures often appear as little more than an extended narrows, perhaps with a fleeting glimpse along river, road, railway or canal down below.

To see these structures in all their glory you have to leave the safety of your boat and scramble down to some pretty weird vantage points. This site provides a new perspective on these impressive memorials to the work of the canal builders over 200 years ago.

The site is being populated on an ad hoc basis, so don't expect to find an A-Z gazeteer anytime soon!

I can't claim credit for all the photos. Google Images has provided a rich seam of quality material and, where possible, I have credited the originator.

My apologies if I have got any wrong!