Carr Mill Dam, body of water
Carr Mill Dam is a large reservoir north of St Helens town center covering about 55 acres, surrounded by maintained walking paths. The water is held back by dam structures featuring cast iron marker posts from earlier periods, and the calm shoreline enables activities such as fishing, powerboat racing, and birdwatching.
The structure was originally built in 1720 to power mills processing iron and grain. In the 1750s it was enlarged to supply water to the Sankey Brook Navigation, an early industrial-age transport waterway.
The name 'Carr' comes from an old Norse word meaning marsh or fen, reflecting the area's ancient wetland landscape. Today it is a gathering place for the community where people fish in quiet mornings, walk the maintained paths, and relax on the grass watching boats and birds.
The area is easily accessible on foot with paved paths suitable for walking and cycling. Benches are available for resting, local facilities offer refreshments, and the circuit around the water takes about 45 minutes.
The Lancashire Powerboat Racing Club has used the dam for races and competitions since 1932, drawing spectators from across the country and even abroad. The cast iron marker posts along the dam date from when railway engineers enlarged the structure and stand today as quiet reminders of that engineering heritage.
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