Aqueducts of the Inland Waterways: Prestolee Aqueduct

Friday, 23 October 2009

Prestolee Aqueduct

Prestolee Aqueduct
Manchester Bolton and Bury Canal

This is one of two surviving aqueducts on the Manchester Bolton and Bury Canal, built in the late 1790's to cross the River Irwell.

The structure is built of stone and its four spans extend for 185 ft, carrying a broad 16ft 6in wide water channel. This is now a listed monument (Grade 2) and is patiently awaiting reconnection to the main system.

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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!