Longdon-Upon-Tern aqueduct

The iron structure extends 187 feet across the River Tern, featuring four spans supported by iron uprights and diagonal bracing on sandstone abutments.

Thomas Telford designed this cast iron aqueduct in 1796 to replace the original stone structure by William Clowes that floods had destroyed.

The aqueduct represents early industrial engineering achievements in Britain as one of the first two canal aqueducts constructed from cast iron materials.

Visitors can access the structure through a public gate off the B5063 layby and walk inside the empty canal trough at any time.

The structure maintains its position as the oldest surviving navigable iron aqueduct, standing 16 feet high with its original iron trough and supports.

Location: Longdon-on-Tern

GPS coordinates: 52.73700,-2.56770

Latest update: March 3, 2025 04:23