The Bridgwater and Taunton Canal
by John Swayne
General
Information
Although only 23.33km (14.5
miles) in length, The canal passes through the unique lowland areas of
Somerset, many parts of which have been designated as Sites of Special
Scientific Interest (SSSI) because of The diversity of rare birds and plants
which thrive in this unique area. As it meanders between willow lined banks,
the Quantock and Blackdown Hills can be seen with Exmoor visible on the
skyline.
The waterways of West
Somerset, Devon and Cornwall originally extended for a total of 241km (150
miles), although compared to Those of the Midlands and the north of England
they seemed of little economic importance.
In Somerset the River Tone and River Parrett were part of a small group of river navigation which linked towns such as Taunton, Langport, llminster and Thorney to the town centre of Bridgwater on the River Parrett. This enabled goods such as coal and iron to be brought from ports in South Wales unloaded onto barges and delivered inland to centres of population in the county. This was one of the reasons why the canal was a comparative latecomer in the history of canals. It was built as part of a more ambitious scheme to create a water route between the South Coast of Devon and Bristol, thus avoiding the hazardous waters around Lands End. The Grand Western Canal, some of which is in water and in use around Tiverton, and the Chard Canal were extensions to the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal. The Grand Western Canal was to link with the River Exe and thus down to Exmouth and the Chard Canal to with the River Axe and thus to Seaton. These two canals relied heavily on intricate lifting mechanisms which did not prove efficient and thus the life of these two canals, and the ambitious project, was short lived.
Historical Information
1827
The Bridgwater & Taunton
Canal was opened. The original route ran from Taunton and joined the River
Parrett at Huntworth. The engineer for the canal was James Hollinsworth.
1837
A further Act was obtained
authorising the extension from Huntworth to Bridgwater and the building of the
dock and its entrance lock to the River Parrett. The canal operated very
successfully during this period.
1866
The canal was sold to the
Bristol & Exeter Railway Company for £64,000. Control eventually passed to
the Great Western Railway who made little attempt to maintain commercial
traffic.
1907
The last barge tolls were
collected and the canal has served principally as a water course and drainage
channel since.
The Second World War.
The line of the Bridgwater
and Taunton Canal, The Chard Canal and The River Axe became a major defence
line in the South West of the County to restrict Hitler’s movement to strategic
docks should he invade. All the iron
bridges, which were melted down for the war effort, were removed and replaced
with wooden structures that could be destroyed quickly. Pill Boxes and Tank Traps, which can still
be seen in place on the canal, were built along the whole length of the defence
line.
1947
The British Transport Commission
took control of the canal.
1962
The canal became the
responsibility of British Waterways.
The canal became one of the first canals to commercially carry water
when Wessex Water needed more capacity during the summer months in Durleigh
Reservoir. Wessex Water reached a
commercial agreement with the then N R A and British Waterways to pump water
from the canal to Durleigh. The canal
itself maintains its level with water from the River Tone at Firepool Lock,
which is its link to navigation of the River Tone.
Present Day
The canal has been fully
restored by British Waterways, with support from Somerset
County Council and local
district councils. The bridges along
with most structures have been recreated, as they were when the canal was in
its prime.
Attractions and
things to do
Bridgwater
Bridgwater Dock was once
ranked 5th amongst Britain’s ports was a safe haven for
schooners. Discover the town’s
architectural history including the Blake Museum or visit the canal in the
autumn whilst watching its world famous carnival.
Crossways Bridge
This was the first bridge to be restored and the original route of the canal to the River Parrett can still be seen.
Standards
and Kings Lock
The concrete balance beams are unusual and the paddle gear unique with a heavy lump of metal used as a counterbalance across a cast iron pulley wheel.
North
Newton
The existing church stands on the site of a Saxon structure and in 1963 the Alfred Jewel, a Saxon ornament and oldest surviving crown jewel, was found near the site. The jewel is now displayed in the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford.
Maunsel
Locks
Adjacent to the lower lock is the only remaining lock keepers cottage which is now an interpretation centre for the canal.
Charlton
Engine House
Sadly now almost derelict and with its beam engine long since removed but in its prime was reported to pump 125,000 gallons per hour.
Creech
St Michael
The 13th century church is worth a visit and the original Chard Canal branched off here. The remains of the aqueduct can still be seen and much of the route of the canal can be explored on foot.
Firepool
Lock
The access point to navigation on the River Tone.
Taunton
The historic town boasts several spectacular churches with towers which are visible for many miles. Visit the county museum in the 12th century castle.
Exploring the Towpath
Walking the towpath is
popular with both visitors and locals alike. There are car parks and picnic
areas at strategic points such as Meads and Fordgate Swing Bridges, Maunsel
Lock and Bathpool. There are adequate parking facilities at Taunton and
Bridgwater At certain points the towpath links with public rights of way which
provide circular walks. You can plan these easily using Ordnance Survey 1:25000
series maps. Some of the tow path is
part of the Parrett way and route 3 of the national cycleway.
Fishing
The canal is renowned for
its excellent coarse fishing. Most coarse species are present including roach,
pike, perch, carp, bream and tench. Fresh-water duck mussels can also be found
especially when dredging is being undertaken and mud is deposited on the canal
bank. The fishing is controlled by local angling clubs.
Canoeing
All you need, besides a
canoe, is a BW licence or membership of the British Canoe Union (the BCU
membership fee includes payment for a BW licence).
Boating
The canal is open to
navigation between Bridgwater and Taunton. All craft require a licence and a
mooring permit There is a slipway at the YMCA in Bridgwater and at the Bathpool
moorings. The Priory Car Park slipway in Taunton is available at the moment but
may be obstructed on occasions. An unsurfaced slipway is available at French
Weir. Please contact the YMCA Office telephone number 01278 422511 or J Swayne
British Waterways Volunteer Warden, telephone numbers 01278 662188 or 0860
946287 if you require further information
A Word ofAdvice
The canal is attractive and
enjoyable but please take care, especially of children, when visiting the canal
and its towpath, particularly near locks and weirs.
It is impossible to do justice to the canal, its scenery and things to do and see in this brief introduction. You will not be disappointed when you visit the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal.