Caistor Canal
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The Caistor Canal was a 4-mile canal in Lincolnshire, England, constructed in 1800 and abandoned in 1936. It ran from the River Ancholme, near South Kelsey toward Caistor through 6 locks, although it did not reach the town as it terminated in Moortown 3.5 miles away.
[edit] History
The Caistor Canal was conceived in July 1792, when William Jessop, a canal engineer of some repute, was asked to prepare a survey of the route. His plans were considered by the Ancholme Navigation Commissioners, in order to assess the risks of flooding caused by such a proposal.[1] As they did not oppose the plans, the canal was authorised by an Act of Parliament passed on 3 June 1793, which created the Caistor Canal Navigation Company, with powers to raise £15,000 in £100 shares to construct the canal, and an additional £10,000 if required.[2]
Work on the construction of the canal began in 1795, when Robert Dickenson was employed as the engineer, and under his direction, the canal took about five years to build, opening in 1800.[1] Traffic consisted of agricultural produce leaving the area, with lime for fertiliser, coal and general merchandise moving in the opposite direction.[2]
The canal had a working life of 55 years, as it was not used after 1855,[1] but was not formally abandoned until the passing of the Caistor Canal Act Revocation Order in 1936.[3]
[edit] Today
The canal is no longer navigable, as the lock gates have been removed and replaced by fixed weirs, in order to maintain the water levels.[1] Five of the locks and the towpath bridge at South Kelsey are now grade 2 listed structures, under the care of West Lindsay Council.[4] Despite being closed, two narrowboats successfully reached the first lock in 2002.[5]
[edit] References
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