Showing posts with label Wey and Arun Junction. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Wey and Arun Junction. Show all posts

Friday, 19 June 2009

Dungewick Aqueduct

Dungewick Aqueduct
Wey and Arun Junction Canal
19th June 2009

The fascinating thing about researching aqueducts is how one structure inevitably seems to lead to another.

My research into Gosden Aqueduct took me to the Dungewick Aqueduct, its peer to the south of the summit pound. This carried (or I can now say carries) the canal over the River Arun, or the River Lox, or the River Chid or maybe even the River Tarrant - no one seems quite sure what it is called.


Dungewick Aqueduct 1937


The original structure was very similar to the Gosden, except it comprised three low arches rather than four. This brick built structure was demolished in the 1950's but has formed part of the Loxwood Extension to the ongoing Wey and Arun restoration project, and was reinstated as a single span concrete channel in 2003 to comply with EA requirements for an unimpeded food relief channel.




The end result may not have the patina of ages ingrained into its brickwork, but it certainly does the job and is a huge shot in the arm for the committed band who continue to work on this ambitious restoration project.

The story of its reconstruction is lovingly documented at www.weyandarun.co.uk from which these two images were obtained.

Wednesday, 17 June 2009

Gosden Aqueduct

Gosden Aqueduct
Wey and Arun Junction Canal

A low slung four arch brick built aqueduct, carrying the Wey and Arun Junction Canal over Cranleigh Waters.


This aqueduct was engineered by Josias Jessop (son of William) and completed 1816 as part of an inland through route between London and Portsmouth during a time of war with France. By the time the canal was complete the war was over and its main raison detre removed. It did trade profitably for 50 years or so before the railway from which this photo way taken, took over.


The north east side was partially destroyed, possibly when the railway was dismantled but its north west face remains intact.

Both photos are c/o www.canalnavigations.co.uk , which is a site offering a fabulous insight into the little known canals of southern England.