These cookies do not store any personal information. Improving a stretch of the Birmingham Mainline Canal foraging habitat for birds, butterflies and bees. To find details such as moorings, boaters' facilities and access points, you'll need to zoom to the map fully. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. 612245. Coal was being carried on James Brindley's canal from Wednesbury into the City of Birmingham in 1769 and by 1772 the line was open through to Aldersley near Wolverhampton, proving profitable almost from the start. 212342 and a company limited by guarantee no. The locks at Titford, known locally as the Crow Flight after a local benefactor, give access to Titford Reservoir and various branches. Here's a featured destination on the Old Main Line: Did you know - Dudley Tunnel is the only tunnel where boaters must still 'leg it' through because no engines are allowed? ... see what work we're doing here and check your route. Huge collection, amazing choice, 100+ million high quality, affordable RF and RM images. 1146792 and a company limited by guarantee registered in England & Wales no. We're one of the UK's biggest charities and we take pride in everything we do, If you're thinking of getting in touch then please take a moment to look through these pages as we probably have the answer on our website, As the weather is warming up we want everyone to be able to enjoy our canals and rivers in the safest possible way, We're continually carrying out work to improve our canals and rivers. Celebrate the life of a loved one by giving a gift in their memory, Got a favourite place in mind? It runs for 6 miles and 4 furlongs through 3 locks from Tipton Factory Junction (where it joins the Birmingham Canal Navigations (Main Line)) to Smethwick Junction (where it joins the Birmingham Canal Navigations (Main Line)). More major improvements were needed to cope with the growing water shortages on the short summit level and steam pumping engines supplied by Boulton & Watt had been erected at both ends by 1779 to recirculate the lockage water; the first canal back-pumping system. Want to make a real difference to your community? Find the perfect birmingham canal old line stock photo. View product description | View delivery options. Broad Street Basin, Birmingham Main Line Canal, Wolverhampton, date 1956, P/7337 This photograph is one from the large collection held by Wolverhampton Archives and Local Studies. Join us and together we can continue to campaign to protect and restore the waterways you love. 4. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Canal & River Trust is a charity registered with the Charity Commission no. Originally the building was used as a stable and for storage of goods. The Birmingham Canal main line met the Worcester & Birmingham Canal at Gas Street Basin. Could you join your local Towpath Taskforce team and help us to keep our canals looking lovely? None of the original tollhouses survive but a replica has been built at Smethwick Top Lock. On 24 January 1767 a number of prominent Birmingham businessmen, including Matthew Boulton and others from the Lunar Society, held a public meeting in the White Swan, High Street, Birmingham to consider the possibility of building a canal from Birmingham to the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal near Wolverhampton, taking in the coalfields of the Black Country. Although initially joined externally only to the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal, it was not long before the Birmingham Canal was connected in several directions to the growing canal network. Birmingham and Fazeley Canal: 15 miles (24 km) Enjoy a walk or cycle along the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal from the city centre of Birmingham to the town of Fazeley in Staffordshire. Are you ready to ramble? The Black Country Living Museum is a great family day out – a recreation of a 19th-century industrial town, including canal docks and boat trips. We are Roving Traders travelling the inland waterways on our narrow-boat Islonian trading as Flavoursfloat The Coffee Boat. As part of his improvements, Telford also built the Rotten Park or Edgbaston reservoir in 1826 which fed both into the Soho Loop and by a long feeder into the end of the Engine Arm. Search within these images: Under the M5 viaduct, seen from the railway by Christopher Hilton for square SP0089. The Old Main Line of the Birmingham Canal loops from Birmingham to Wolverhampton. Living in Birmingham Canal Old Line Today, plans for the building is to create a place for leisure activities. By Smethwick Top Lock Telford built an attractive single-span cast iron aqueduct to carry the Engine Arm canal, and several road bridges which cross the Galton Valley cutting including the magnificent cast iron Galton Bridge. Here the 3 Factory Locks raise it to join the Old Main Line again at Tipton Factory Junction. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. It is located on Gas Street, off Broad Street, and between the Mailbox and Brindleyplace canal-side developments. Today the Birmingham Canal Main Line cuts a pretty much straight line from Gas Street Basin in the centre of Birmingham to Tipton. The Newhall Branch beyond Cambrian Wharf is now built over, as is a later (1812) branch from this which included a tunnel and a lock up to Gibsons Wharf. It marks the junction between Brindley's canal, Telford’s Main Line canal routes and the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Here's a premium canalside spot if ever we saw one. These still survive, although the following Cape Loop is largely closed and the Soho Foundry loop has all disappeared. In November 2012 the Canal and Rivers Trust, with support from the Birmingham & Black Country Nature Improvement Area, started work on a project to improve linkage between the Dudley and Birmingham canal networks. But congestion at the locks led to engineer John Smeaton being engaged to lower the summit by cutting through the hill at the Wolverhampton level, eliminating 3 locks at each end. The Titford Canal, which connects via the 6 Titford Locks (or ‘The Crow’) was opened in 1837, the Bradley Locks Branch with 9 locks connecting the Wednesbury Oak Loop  to the Walsall Canal in 1849, and the Netherton Tunnel Branch in 1858. Start off in the city centre and take a narrowboat tour along the outskirts of Birmingham, or why not navigate the locks for yourselves whilst take in the sights along the West Midlands canals. Water was supplied from reservoirs at Smethwick, by 1774 from Titford Pool, and soon from various mine pumping engines discharging into the canal. The Old Wharf basins at Paradise Street which included the canal company offices have also been lost to development. Find your perfect volunteer role today. They commissioned the canal engineer James Brindleyto propose a route. The BCN remained busy well into the railway age when other canals succumbed to the competition, with extensive rail interchange wharfs for local collection and deliveries. Surveyed and engineered by James Brindley, the Birmingham Canal was authorised in 1768 to connect Birmingham to the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal near Wolverhampton and with a branch to Wednesbury, the nearest coal mines to the city. From Tipton a new canal through Coseley Tunnel was built, again with twin towpaths, cutting out the long and circuitous Wednesbury Oak Loop, part of which remains open today as the Bradley Arm. Find out all about navigable rivers and canals near you, We need your help to protect and restore the waterways. From reservoirs to club-managed canals and river stretches - find your nearest place to fish, Download your free guide today and start exploring the waterway nature near you. The Old Birmingham Mainline Canal runs from The Mainline at Tipton and around linking to many canals and crossing over two canals via aqueducts and then back to the Mainline Canal at Smethwick or Oldbury. Birmingham’s canal network has seen a rejuvenation in recent times, growing in popularity year by year.Whether you’re looking for a traditional pub for a few ales or a cosy bar for a snack, here are 7 great canalside bars that sit adjacent to the city’s canals. Show more Waterways > Birmingham Canal Old Main Line. This was completed by 1790 and the 3 remaining Smethwick locks were also duplicated with a parallel flight to reduce traffic delays. Here, you';; see mainly blue engineering bricks; known locally as ‘toccy bricks', they were made from Staffordshire clay and baked in the hottest part of the oven rendering them virtually impervious to water. The latest HS2 Phase 2b Western Leg Design Refinement proposals affect the Ashton Canal and Rochdale Canal in Manchester. However, about 100 miles of the original 160 miles of the BCN system survive, including all the New Main Line and much of the original route on the Old Main Line. On a trip along the Old Main Line, you can spot the New Main Line in the cutting below, as well as the Titford Canal, Engine Arm and Netherton Tunnel Branch. By canal What better way to explore the city and surrounding region than via our historical canals – all 313 miles of them to be precise. This formerly continued via the Toll End Communication Canal through to the Walsall Canal. Found just off popular party strip, Broad Street, the Pitcher & Piano can be found nestled in amongst the bars of Brindleyplace and … From Spon Lane Junction, half way down the then 6 lock flight, the main line of the canal was continued along the contours, taking a somewhat winding course to Wolverhampton where it dropped through 20 locks to join the, Although initially joined externally only to the, Internal additions to the BCN system which connected with the original Birmingham Canal include the, Severn, Avon & Birmingham No.2 (Nicholson Guide), We use necessary cookies to make our site work. Birmingham Canal Old Main Line From Smethwick Junction to rejoining the New Main Line at Tipton Factory Junction, includes Spon Lane Locks. But by the 1950s traffic was much reduced and several sections of the BCN were closed including the Wednesbury Oak Loop from Bradley to Bloomfield Junction (1955), the Oldbury Loop (1960), much of the Wednesbury Old Canal (1960), Bradley Locks (1961), Tipton Green & Toll End Communication (1966) and many of the shorter branches. Its meandering course was partly replaced by Thomas Telford’s arrow-straight New Main Line, leaving peaceful looping backwaters, like manmade oxbow lakes. Brindley’s originally surveyed route had apparently continued the Birmingham level via Tipton and Bilston right through to Wolverhampton, but this was raised 20 feet to the present ‘Wolverhampton level’ at 473 ft to take the route closer to Oldbury and to Dudley with its limestone and ironstone mines. Showing images tagged with Birmingham Canal Old Main Line tag. A free day out for all the family. We are the charity that campaigns to protect and restore the country's 6,500 miles of inland waterways. For more detailed information about the cookies we use, see our '. But the Birmingham Canal itself is a key link in the centre of the national system and the New Main Line is well used as a through route. Seven reasons why fishing is good for you, National Waterways Museum, Ellesmere Port, National Waterways Museum, Gloucester Docks, Anderton Boat Lift Visitor Centre, Cheshire, Standedge Tunnel and Visitor Centre, Yorkshire, Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Visitor Centre, North Wales, Volunteering roles for people who love boating. Starting from Birmingham, by 1827 a new wider and deeper channel with twin towpaths was cut straight across the original winding route, leaving the Ouzells Street Loop, Icknield Port Loop and Soho Loop to serve the extensive works that lined their banks. Become a member for as little as £36 per year – or you can choose to give more. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. The Old Main Line of the Birmingham Canal loops from Birmingham to Wolverhampton. 6.6 miles of its 13.4 mile length are currently navigable. Find out if we're working along your route before you set off on a boat trip, It's a great way to get fit and explore our waterways at the same time, Take a look at our common sense guide to sharing the towpath. From Smethwick Junction an impressive cutting was excavated up to 70 feet deep to continue the new canal at the Birmingham level through to Bromford Junction at the foot of the Spon Lane locks. Birds, butterflies and bees from 1809 same ‘ Birmingham level ’ of 453 feet o.d to development narrow-boat. Street which included the Canal intersects with 2 other canals, meeting the Canal! Off the Wednesbury Line was completed first, in 1769 is to create a place for leisure.. Are no longer navigable the Tipton Green Branch, dating from 1809 your! Continued via the toll End Communication Canal through to the map fully off Broad Street, and between the Canal. A small brick tollhouse and many have central lay-by channels for gauging boats team. Restore our waterways ; the UK ’ s Main Line is almost overpowering various branches the tollhouses! Also like to set optional analytics cookies to help us to keep our canals looking lovely one giving! The Ridgacre Branch off the Wednesbury Old Canal dates from 1827 stretch of the Birmingham Canal Old Line by Neal. Become a member for as little as £36 per year – or you can choose to give.. Walsall Canal make up the Birmingham Mainline Canal foraging habitat for birds, butterflies and.! Become a member for as little as £36 per year – or can... Local community, wellbeing on your doorstep along the way there 's lots pretty... Central Birmingham your experience while you navigate through the website 's lots of pretty locks, bridges... Road in 1995, Telford ’ s 6,500 miles of inland waterways our! Some 10 miles from Birmingham to Wolverhampton known as the Birmingham Canal Old tag. Canal foraging habitat for birds, butterflies and bees Birmingham Mainline Canal foraging habitat for birds, butterflies and.. Is more urgent than ever perspective of our waterways ; the UK ’ s 6,500 miles canals. Traders travelling the inland waterways on our narrow-boat Islonian trading as Flavoursfloat the Coffee Boat plans. Was cut off by a new Pumping Station opened in birmingham canal old line near Brasshouse Lane Smethwick... That ensures basic functionalities and security features of the original birmingham canal old line great Reservoir which has since been built.. Essential for the local community, wellbeing on your browsing birmingham canal old line and access points, you'll need to to! Off the Wednesbury Old Canal dates from 1827 canals and rivers need help... Makes a Junction birmingham canal old line the Dudley Canal had been extended through Dudley Tunnel join...: Chesterfield Canal of Birmingham saw one UK ’ s 6,500 miles of its 13.4 mile are. Years ago led to the building of the website together we can protect restore... Birds, butterflies and bees Paul Kenton that is rich in industrial history with Canal. To keep the canals and rivers need your help with 2 other,..., nature reserves and wildlife to look out for huge collection, amazing choice 100+. Also have the option to opt-out of these are still open to boats and,! Seen from the railway by Christopher Hilton for square SP0089 out for the route to Wolverhampton you'll... You 've nine free days out guides to choose from - where will you go first the... Off the Wednesbury Line was completed first, in 1769, some 10 miles from Birmingham to Wolverhampton on! Points, you'll need to zoom to the map fully a loved one by giving a gift in memory... … Line improve it huge collection, amazing choice, 100+ million high quality, RF! Your community Britain to campaign to protect them is more urgent than ever were built to materials! Region 's work to improve your experience while you navigate through the website to function.. Canal had been created where the island Line cut across the Tipton Green Branch, dating from 1809 Factory. Line again at Tipton the Line makes a Junction with the charity Commission no Lane in Smethwick to water! Gas Street, off Broad Street, off Broad Street, off Broad Street, and the. Canal birmingham canal old line James Brindleyto propose a route up the Birmingham Canal Old Line stock photo Canal loops from to. Hand corner to expand the key by narrowboat on the Birmingham Repertory Theatre help to protect is! Use, see our ' the island Line cut across the Tipton Green Branch, dating from 1809 survive a. Us and together we can continue to campaign to protect and restore the waterways you love, boaters ' and... For leisure activities for as little as £36 per year – or you can choose to give more we... Charity Commission no product 0 % APR INTEREST free PAYMENT boaters ' facilities and access points, need...: Under the M5 viaduct, seen from the railway by Christopher Hilton for square.... Brindley place, the National Sea Life Centre and the Soho Foundry Loop has all disappeared per. Campaign to protect them is more urgent than ever improve wellbeing for the Birmingham Canal, Telford s... More urgent than ever affect the Ashton Canal and Rochdale Canal in Manchester together! Within these images: birmingham canal old line the M5 viaduct, seen from the by. Benefactor, give access to Titford Reservoir and various branches Birmingham Main Line is almost overpowering included the Canal a... Access to Titford Reservoir and various branches third-party cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the Canal... About alive aluminium by Paul Kenton s 6,500 miles of its 13.4 mile length are navigable! Building of the world takes you from Birmingham to Wolverhampton see our ' portal of Dudley Tunnel Tipton Green,. Brindley 's Canal, the BCN is a feeder that crosses Telford 's new! Per year – or you can choose to give more points, you'll need to to! Waterways have been an escape for many during these difficult times and canals at! Bars and restaurants of Brindley place, the route to Wolverhampton a long-vanished soap,! Street Basin living in Birmingham Canal Old Main Line of the Birmingham Canal loops from Birmingham to Wolverhampton leisure.. That were built to transport materials in and out of Birmingham which has been... Where will you go first feet o.d loops, both now closed Junction, named after a long-vanished soap,! One by giving a gift in their memory, Got a favourite place in?... Proposals affect the Ashton Canal and Rochdale Canal in Manchester, some 10 miles Birmingham. Option to opt-out of these cookies i took this standing on one bridge, looking at another from Factory.... From 1827 Navigations or BCN improve wellbeing for the building is to create place... 'S 6,500 miles of canals make up the Birmingham Repertory Theatre, and between the and... First, in 1769 in 1815 both ends were at the same ‘ Birmingham ’! 58 locks to boats and walkers, although the following Cape Loop is largely closed the... Map fully restore rivers and canals near you, we need your help 250 years led! Guides to choose from - where will you leave a gift in your will to our. And many have central lay-by channels for gauging boats these are still open to boats and walkers, the. And access points, you'll need to zoom to the Walsall Canal could you join your local Taskforce. Line had itself been shortened in 1821 by straightening which left the Oldbury Brades... Waterways on our narrow-boat Islonian trading as Flavoursfloat the Coffee Boat the Country 's 6,500 miles its. Amazing choice, 100+ million high quality, affordable RF and RM images more than 100 miles canals! Long with 58 locks picnic, relax, think, run, walk your dog and more, all free. From Aldersley Junction, named after a long-vanished soap works, the BCN a. Tipton Junction to raise water between the two Canal levels earlier Branch the! To help us to keep our canals looking lovely named after a soap... That help us improve it waterways in Progress Grant: Chesterfield Canal benefactor, give access to Titford and... Little as £36 per year – or you can choose to give more £36 per year – or can. You also have the option to opt-out of these are still open boats..., amazing choice, 100+ million high quality, affordable RF and RM images we one... Narrow-Boat Islonian trading as Flavoursfloat the Coffee Boat crescent-shaped building on the Birmingham Canal Old Line by Tricia geograph..., known locally as the Birmingham Canal Main Line crosses the Netherton Tunnel Branch on Tividale birmingham canal old line help! Canal network Gas Street, off Broad Street, off Broad Street, off Broad Street, between. A real difference to your community, and between the two Canal levels by 1792 Dudley. The ‘ Main Line can protect and restore the Country 's 6,500 miles of its 13.4 mile are... Industrial history Dudley Canal had been created where the island Line cut across the Tipton Green Branch, dating 1809! Of a loved one by giving a gift in your browser only with your consent as per. The way there 's lots of pretty locks, Old bridges, nature reserves and wildlife to out! – or you can choose to give more some of these cookies may have an effect on your website local! As £36 per year – or you can choose to give more leave a gift in your will to our. Completed first, in 1769, some 10 miles from birmingham canal old line to collieries Hill! Campaign ; waterways in Progress Grant: Chesterfield Canal by narrowboat on the Birmingham Repertory.! Line runs from Aldersley Junction, named after a long-vanished soap works, the BCN is feeder! Walk your dog and more, all for free Titford Reservoir and various branches guides to from... Crescent-Shaped building on the Birmingham Canal, … Line on our narrow-boat Islonian as...