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Video: Bridgewater 250th - Part 1 - The Delph
by Tony Flynn and Tom Rodgers
In the first part of our series celebrating 250 years of the Bridgewater Canal, we take you to Worsley and the Delph, where the waters from the Duke of Bridgewater's subterranean mines flow into the Duke's canal. Around 40 miles of underground canal were constructed by James Brindley, the Duke's engineer, to help bring coal from the mines to the north out into the Delph at Worsley. It was this engineering marvel that would change the face of the Manchester cotton trade by making coal easier, quicker and cheaper to transport. The coal could get to Manchester and Salford's mills much faster than by road, so these mines in a way kickstarted the rapid increase in cotton production, providing mass employment for thousands in the area. This fascinating site could soon be heading for UNESCO World Heritage status as a vitally important piece of the puzzle in deciphering how Britain forged the Industrial Revolution and changed the course of world history as we know it. Watch out for more on SalfordOnline in the coming weeks and months as we take you on a boat trip down the first-built section of the Bridgewater Canal, from the sleepy surburb of Worsley right into the heart of Manchester at Castlefield. To see the full story in order, watch Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8 and Part 9. Due to problems with spam only SalfordOnline members can now leave comments. Becoming a member of SalfordOnline only takes a minute, just hit the red Join Us button at the top right hand side of the page to create your Personal account. Got a news story? Need help with publicity for an event in Salford? Send it to newsdesk@salfordonline.com or call the SalfordOnline newsdesk on 0161 789 5377. |
