Central Birmingham in the "Canal Age"

Thursday, 07 January 2010 19:00

The Central BCN was once a hive of activity

It was dominated by canals, wharves and basins. The canal companies actively encouraged the construction of private "Arms", branch canals, and wharves. After all they created more business!

The factories and mills obtained coal from the canal system - it was cheaper than by road and by 1847 the area was full of chimneys. The centre of Birmingham became very polluted. This pollution was the primary cause of the wealthy middle class moving out into the leafy suburbs of Edgbaston and Moseley.

Map of old area around Gas Street Basin

The old wharves and most of the branches are no longer visible, but if you know where to look there are still signs of their existence. Some of them have been completely built over, like the ones north of Broad Street. They are now under Centenary Square and The Birmingham Rep!

The Old Wharf was off Gas Street Basin

The entrance is now bricked up under Bridge Street and the Crown Plaza and Hyatt Hotels now tower over what would have been a busy scene.

Old Wharf entrances

Entrance bricked up under Bridge Street

On the other side of Gas Street were Stone Wharf and Coal Wharf, and nearby was 46 Gas Street, once the Worcester and Birmingham Canal Company's Head Office.

46 Gas Street (on left) and Worcester Bar with moorings

The canal companies were rivals and charged tolls for each of their waterways. The classic example of this rivalry was here at Gas Street, where the "Worcester Bar" existed. The Birmingham Canal (BCN Main Line) and the Brimingham and Worcester Canal companies would not share water, so goods had to be hauled over the "Bar". The stop Lock was added in 1815 which allowed working boats through, once a toll had been paid!

John by stop lock and Walkover Bridge 6

"Dividing line" between the two companies at lock

Further along, past the ICC and Brindley Place and at the right turn by the Mailbox, is what remains of Granville Wharf. It is now home to a restaurant pair and is surrounded by other tempting restaurants!

The Mailbox

Restaurant Boats in remains of Grenville Wharf

Yes! - I did not mention the white stuff, but it does make for some good photos! Maybe I will show the rest another time!