Gailey, history, sights and hire boats

Thursday, 19 March 2009 18:02

As I mentioned yesterday the Staffs and Worcs canal is one of the oldest canals in the country. It was built by James Brindley as part of his "Grand Cross" scheme and was fully opened in 1772. This Grand Cross was to link the ports of Hull, Liverpool amd Bristol by connecting the rivers Mersey, Trent and Severn.

Map of the canalclick to enlarge in new window

The canal is 46 and a bit miles long and makes the most of the contours of the land as much as possible. It climbs from the river Severn, following the valleys of the Stour and Smestow Brook and has 31 locks. The summit level is at Compton, near Wolverhampton. The 10 mile summit ends at Gailey and the canal descends, following the Penk and Sow valleys to Great Heywood via 12 locks.

Coal, steel and carpets were among the goods carried on the canal in its commercial heyday. Trade declined rapidly after WW ll and in the 1950s it was threatened with closure. Thanks to the formation of the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal Society in 1959 this did not become a reality. In 1969 the entire length of the canal was declared a conservation area.

The Staffs and Worcs is now one of the most cruised canals and gives much pleasure to its users, including us for 5 years on Twelfth Night and now on Epiphany.

Gailey Roundhouse - a painting

I love the painting above of Gailey Roundhouse. Built around 1880 is one of only three still surviving and was used as the lock keeper's house and office. It became a shop selling canalware and basic grocery necessities. Sadly it is now closed.

Gailey Wharf and lock

Close up of the crane at Gailey

The fleet of hire boats here were put back into the water today after their winter stay on the hard. The crane above would not lift a steel narrowboat (!) so JD Boats hire a large boat-moving crane.

Boats on hard opposite water point

It was quite a sight as they swung each boat out onto the canal and Epiphany rocked as they hit the water! Now they are all lined up on the offside waiting for the hirers to take them out. Easter is around the corner and then the season begins in earnest!

Fleet on the water

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