Canalego

This Lego model of the Bridgewater Canal crossing the Ship Canal at Barton has appeared in Salford City Council’s reception area. A little bigger than many Lego productions.

The crossing of a canal on an aqueduct over the River Irwell (which decades later was canalised to form the Ship Canal) was one of the wonders of the early industrial revolution in the UK. It opened in 1761 and reached Castlefield in Manchester in 1765. The Duke of Bridgewater was the instigator, and James Brindley was the engineer.

Canal architecture has its own unique character. 250 or so years on, this scene has evolved, the original rural location is very different now. Even in legoland.