Canal over Canal

Returning from a meeting which in part involved bridges, it seemed only appropriate to blip this as I was passing by. The Barton Aqueduct carries the Bridgewater Canal over the Manchester Ship Canal.

The first Aqueduct here, built 250 years ago, crossed the River Irwell. When the Irwell was straightened into the present Canal the Aqueduct had to be enlarged. Any which way it is a wonder of Georgian and then Victorian engineering. I raise a glass to James Brindley, the man who on the instruction of the Duke made the Bridgewater Canal a reality.