Westport Canal
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[edit] Westport Canal
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The Westport Canal was built around 1840 between Westport and Langport in Somerset, England.
Langport is the point at which the River Yeo joins the River Parret and the intention was to enable trade via the port at Bridgwater.[1]
[edit] History
The construction of the Westport Canal was authorised by an Act of Parliament obtained in 1836. The canal was part of a bigger scheme; the act authorised improvements to the River Parrett between Burrow Bridge and Langport, rebuilding of the river bridge at Langport, and construction of the canal to Westport.[2] [3]
The route from Langport followed the River Parrett to its junction with the River Isle. Here a lock was built, to maintain the water levels on the River Isle, and about one mile (1.6km) further upstream, the 2.3 mile (3.7km) canal turned off towards Westport, where wharfs and a basin were built. The project was completed in 1840, and was initially profitable.[2] The main cargoes were coal, which was brought to the villages served by the canal, and grain, which was exported via the canal.[4]
However, competition arrived in the form of the Durston to Yeovil Railway, started in 1847 and completed in 1853. Trade moved from the canal to the railway until 1875, when the canal was abandoned as a navigation.[2] In 1878, the Somerset Drainage Commissioners took over the navigation for use as a drain for the Somerset levels.[3]
[edit] Today
The canal is still in situ and in water, though not navigable. The Midelney lock is derelict, and the Westmoor Lane bridge at Hambridge has been lowered.[3] The bridge nearest to Westport wharfs has recently been refurbished.[5] There is local interest in improving the canal as an amenity, and possibly the restoration of navigation for small boats.[4]
[edit] Route
| Point | Coordinates (Links to map resources) |
OS Grid Ref | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| River Parrett Junction | ST417235 | Rivers Isle and Parrett | |
| Midelney Lock | ST416234 | disused | |
| Westport Canal start | ST404226 | Junction with River Isle | |
| Westmoor bridge | ST401215 | lowered | |
| Westport wharfs | ST384194 |
[edit] References
- ^ Dunning, Robert (1983). A History of Somerset. Chichester: Phillimore & Co. ISBN 0-85033-461-6.
- ^ a b c Somerset Country Archives
- ^ a b c Russell, Ronald (1971). Lost Canals of England and Wales. Newton Abbot: David & Charles. ISBN 0-7153-5417-5.
- ^ a b South Somerset Villages Plan
- ^ Geograph archive
