Manchester Ship Canal, Industrial waterway in Greater Manchester, England
Description
The Manchester Ship Canal is a waterway in Greater Manchester that connects the city with the sea over 36 miles. Five lock systems allow ships to travel between the inland area and the Irish Sea.
History
The opening took place in 1894 after years of construction and overcame economic and technical obstacles. The project turned the city into the third largest port in Britain and changed trade routes permanently.
Culture
The waterway once turned the city into an inland port and gave it direct access to global trade routes. This economic shift shaped generations of workers and changed the identity of the entire region.
Practical
The canal remains active today and carries cargo ships and tankers through the locks. Visitors can walk along the towpaths and watch ships pass or see the lock systems in operation.
Did you know?
A movable aqueduct carries an older canal over the water and swings aside when larger ships need to pass. This technical solution from the 19th century is still in operation today.
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St Werburgh's Church, Warburton
1.3 km
Lymm Cross
2.7 km
St Peter's Church, Oughtrington
2.6 km
Bent Farmhouse, Warburton
1.2 km
16, Bridgewater Street
2.7 km
War Memorial in St Werburg's Churchyard
1.2 km
Church of St Helen
1.5 km
The Bridgewater Canal Grantham's Bridge
2.5 km
The Bridgewater Canal Lloyd Bridge
2.3 km
Bridge over outfall and spillway, Lymm Dam
3 km
Old Church of Saint Werburg
372 m
The Bridgewater Canal Bridgewater Street Aqueduct
2.7 km
Milestone
889 m
War Memorial
1.5 km
Milestone
2.4 km
Number 1 with attached screen wall, steps and railings
2.6 km
The Bridgewater Canal Burford Lane Aqueduct
2.6 km
Stocks at Lymm Cross
2.7 km
Lodge to Lymm Grammar School
3 km
1A and 3, Lymm Bridge
2.6 km
Milestone
1.3 km
Burford Lane Warehouse And House Attached
2.7 km
Lychgate, old church of Saint Werburg
405 m
Lymm Slitting Mill
2.6 km
Milestone, Manchester Road; Rixton; 100m W Holly Bush Lane opp. No. 24
2.4 km
Milestone, Liverpool Road, almost opp. No. 252
898 m
Milestone, Liverpool Road, Hollins Green; opp. Ye Olde Red Lion in garden of no 505
1.3 km
Rixton Clay Pits
1 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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