The Barton Lane Aqueduct Portal has been named as one of the "most captivating sites in the North West" by Historic England, which Grade II listed the structure this year.
"A marvel of engineering in 1761, the Barton aqueduct carried the Bridgewater Canal over the River Irwell" states Historic England "At the time, the idea of sailing a barge over another navigable waterway was extraordinary. The Duke of Bridgewater, who commissioned the canal, initially compared engineer James Brindley's concept to building 'castles in the air'.
"Brindley's confidence and the Duke's faith in him were rewarded" it explains "The project was an instant success, halving the price of coal in Manchester almost overnight through increased supply, and the aqueduct drew crowds of tourists to see this 'wonder of the age'.
"The arch across Barton Lane was the first in Britain to carry a canal over a public road" it adds "The arch was constructed to support the weight of the water, which was contained within a walled channel, lined with puddled clay.
"The present arch of Classical design dates from 1820s improvements" it states "When the aqueduct was replaced in the 1890s by the swing aqueduct (itself unique), the affection for the earlier structure led to this arch being rebuilt alongside the road it used to straddle. This is an early example of industrial heritage being recognised and preserved for future generations."
Embedded in the old stones built into a new wall on Barton Lane are some very strange symbols, including what looks like a glass of Martini and an Extinction Rebellion symbol! (see photos) They are actually early 19th Century masons' marks...
"Every year, we work with painstaking care to identify and protect the most significant historic sites up and down the great counties, towns and cities of the North West" says Catherine Dewar, North West Regional Director of Historic England "Despite the challenges that everyone has faced this year, 2020 has seen some wonderful additions to the List. From the engineering marvel which carried the Bridgewater Canal over the River Irwell in Salford, to lost Roman altars saved within a wall in Appleby, Cumbria, we have taken action to protect the cultural heritage cherished by communities across the region."
For the full Barton Lane Aqueduct Grade II listing information – click here
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