![A bit of history [1] | by Lambeth Walker](http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50143539321_94dd77a3b0.jpg)
A bit of history [1]
For reasons of economy and the constraints of 18th-century engineering technology, the early canals were built to a narrow width. The standard for the dimensions of narrow canal locks was set by Brindley with his first canal locks, those on the Trent and Mersey Canal in 1776. These locks were 72 feet 7 inches long by 7 feet 6 inches wide. The narrow width was perhaps set by the fact that he was only able to build Harecastle Tunnel to accommodate 7 feet wide boats. In effect, this decision right from the start would ultimately be the cause of the canals failure. About a quarter of all canals ended up being ‘narrow’ canals.
Here, we are approaching Lliffe bridge, number 45. All bridges on the canals are numbered which is a great help in identifying exactly where you are. If you have a map that is; you will be surprised how many people don’t have one. All of the Ashby Canal is designated a Conservation Area but in addition we are now in the 6 miles from Carlton Bridge 44 to Snarestone which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for its natural heritage. There are lots of endangered water voles here and rare damselflies.
A bit of history [1]
For reasons of economy and the constraints of 18th-century engineering technology, the early canals were built to a narrow width. The standard for the dimensions of narrow canal locks was set by Brindley with his first canal locks, those on the Trent and Mersey Canal in 1776. These locks were 72 feet 7 inches long by 7 feet 6 inches wide. The narrow width was perhaps set by the fact that he was only able to build Harecastle Tunnel to accommodate 7 feet wide boats. In effect, this decision right from the start would ultimately be the cause of the canals failure. About a quarter of all canals ended up being ‘narrow’ canals.
Here, we are approaching Lliffe bridge, number 45. All bridges on the canals are numbered which is a great help in identifying exactly where you are. If you have a map that is; you will be surprised how many people don’t have one. All of the Ashby Canal is designated a Conservation Area but in addition we are now in the 6 miles from Carlton Bridge 44 to Snarestone which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for its natural heritage. There are lots of endangered water voles here and rare damselflies.