Lydney Canal
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This one-mile canal in Gloucestershire runs inland from the River Severn to Lydney. It was opened in 1813 to trans-ship iron and coal from the Forest of Dean. It was once connected by a horse drawn tramroad to the Pidcock's Canal [1] which brought materials down to the wharves by tub-boat [2].
In the 1960's imported wood was still being brought in by barge from Avonmouth [3]. It remained in commercial use until the 1980's [4]. The entrance to the canal consists of an outer tidal gate opening into a wide basin. From there a lock opens into the one mile canal cut. Immediately above the lock, a pair of gates point the other way as protection against a high tidal flood in the estuary. There is one swing bridge crossing the canal. The docks have recently been restored to create a marina and harbour area for sea-going yachts and motor boats[5].
[edit] Time Line
1809 The Lydney and Lidbrook Railway Act enables construction of a tramway from Lydbrook to Lydney. [6]
1810 A second Act changes the company name to the "The Severn & Wye Railway and Canal Company" and (amongst other things) authorises the building of the canal to the River Severn at Nass Point. [7]
1810 Josias Jessop (son of William Jessop) was appointed consulting engineer and designed plans for the canal.
1811 Thomas Sheasby (son of Thomas Sheasby senior) was taken on as resident engineer.
1813 The canal was opened by the Severn and Wye Railway and Canal Company.
1821 The outer harbour finally completed and the tramway extended all the way down. [8]
1825 The north pier was extended to aid ships into the harbour.
1868 The tramway was converted to broad gauge.
1872 Converted to standard gauge.
1893 Severn and Wye Railway and Canal Company went bankrupt.
1894 Purchased by the Great Western and Midland Railways and administered by a Joint Committee of the two companies. [9]
1948 The railway and docks passed to the Western Region of the Railway Executive on nationalization.
1950 Transferred to the Docks and Inland Waterways Executive.
1960 The last coal was shipped from the harbour. [10]
1977 The harbour was closed.
1985 The section from the swing bridge to the Severn is scheduled as an Ancient Monument [11]
1988 The swing bridge is scheduled as a Grade II listed building. [12]
1996 The Environment Agency takes over management of the docks.
1997 Inner gates collapse and have to be replaced by a dam to reduce flood risk.
1998 The Lydney Docks Partnership was established to create a sustainable future for the canal.
2005 Re-opened after a two year project of restoration and enhancement. [13]
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
- Photos of Lydney, Francis Frith Collection
- Satellite image from Google Maps
- Photo of the upper basin at Lydney Harbour taken in the 19th century
- Lydney harbour canal full of empty log barges in the 1960's.
- Historical Account of the Navigable Rivers, Canals, and Railways, Joseph Priestley
- Images of England — details from listed building database (354463) - grade II Swing-bridge and abutments.
