| The
Water Heritage Trail concentrates on the industrial archaeology and water
heritage of Northwich. Visitors can discover the River Weaver and
Navigation, Grade II Listed historic buildings, structures and a variety
of other features. Wardens lead walks that take about 45 minutes
from the Dock Road Edwardian Pumping Station at 3.00pm on Sundays and Bank
Holidays between Easter and the end of September. Groups may arrange
visits at other times by appointment.
. |
|
 |
Dock
Road Edwardian Pumping Station
Wardens demonstrate the engines and pumps in their original setting with enthusiasm and detailed knowledge. Before it was built in 1913 to pump sewage from parts of Northwich to the Wallerscote Treatment Works, untreated sewage was discharged directly into the river, causing widespread pollution. .. . . |
 |
Weaver Navigation
The modernised Hunts Locks Sluice is close to the site of the original built in 1730. It is used for flood control and has recently been automated. Flood water is held back by the gate until it is safe to release it back into the main channel. The pedestrian footbridge that crosses the old watercourse of the River Weaver can be swung open to allow boats to reach the British Waterways’ dry-dock upstream which is used to repair and maintain vessels. Boats are floated into position and the dock is pumped dry. When the work is completed, the dock is flooded and the boat is floated out. . |
 |
British
Waterways Buildings
Navigation House was built around 1856, as a home and office for the engineer of the Weaver Navigation Trust. It has its own stable block and was deliberately built close to the boatyard, reflecting the status of the engineer-in-charge. The dockyard contains a quay, warehouse, offices, counting house, weighbridge and cranes which were essential when the goods were being transferred. The main building was built in 1826 and the Georgian clock tower in 1830. Today the facilities are the regional offices of British Waterways and lock gates are still repaired and made in the workshops. .. . |
 |
Swing
Bridges
The Hayhurst Bridge (1898) and Town Bridge (1899) both swing when tall boats need to pass. They were the first to be built on floating pontoons and are believed to be the first electrically powered swing bridges in Britain. . . |
 |
Timber-framed
Buildings
The problems caused by subsidence following salt extraction in the nineteenth century led people to build light timber-framed brick buildings with jacking points incorporated. If subsidence occurred the structures could be jacked up to a level position or moved to a more stable site. Many buildings throughout the town are of this construction, although they sometimes look to be built entirely of brick. Moore and Brock's riverside warehouse is a good example. ... |
| Northwich
Water Heritage Trail Map
Dock
Road Edwardian Pumping Station Opening Times
|
|
| Other
Places to Visit
The surrounding area also offers a wide variety of attractions, helping to make the Northwich Water Heritage Trail an enthralling family day out. . |
|
 |
Salt
Museum
Formerly a workhouse, it now tells the fascinating story of Cheshire's oldest industry using artifacts, models, reconstructions and audio-visual displays. Tel. 01606 41331. . . . |
 |
Anderton
Boat Lift
One of the wonders of the waterway system. The Lift enables boats to be raised or lowered in one of two water tanks between the Weaver Navigation and the Trent and Mersey Canal and has recently been restored. Tel: 01606 862862. . . . |
 |
Lion
Salt Works
A manned exhibition shows the history of how salt was obtained, prepared and distributed. Tel. 01606 41823 . |
| Contacts
Cheshire County Council Vale Royal Borough Council Northwich British Waterways North West Water |
| Home | Top |
|
Pauline Roscoe & Associates Heritage and Environmental Management 183 Town Lane Whittle-le-Woods Chorley Lancashire PR6 8AG UK Tel / Fax 01257 260157 Mobile 07944 857741 email pr@pauline-roscoe.co.uk |
|
