Weir at Kirkstall Forge

This weir - along with several others - controls water levels on the River Aire on the western boundary of Leeds.The are signs of damage over its life, especially on the Northern side where some of the huge stone blocks used in its construction have been washed yards downriver.
The Kirkstall forge site is now virtually clear of all buildings, but was in industrial site for 750 years. Its first use was as a corn mill for the Abbey downstream. A mill race was built by the monks to supply water for the mill. Running alongside the river on the northern side you can also see the goit which ensured a steady supply of water to the forge in later days. This is supplied by another weir a quarter of a mile away, handily close to the Abbey pub. Excellent range of real ale there.