Glastonbury Canal
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The Glastonbury Canal ran just over 14 miles (22km) through two locks from Glastonbury to Highbridge where it entered the River Parrett and from there the Bristol Channel. The canal gained its Act of Parliament in 1827 and opened in 1834.[1]
One of the key promoters was Richard Prat the town clerk of Glastonbury. The canal was built with wide locks in order to take the coasters that worked the Bristol Channel. By 1840 it was clear that the canal was a financial disaster.
With an exception of a short stretch at Highbridge the canal was abandoned in 1854. The Somerset Central Railway built its line along part of the route of the canal, on the towpath.[2] This merged with the Dorset Central Railway to become the Somerset and Dorset Railway.
In 1936 this remaining section was abandoned as a canal. However, it was retained to provide a wharf for the railway company.[2]
[edit] References
- ^ Dunning, Robert (1983). A History of Somerset. Chichester: Phillimore & Co. ISBN 0-85033-461-6.
- ^ a b Handley, Chris, (2001). The Maritime Activities of the Somerset & Dorset Railway. Bath: Millstream Books. ISBN 0-948975-63-6.
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