Bratch facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bratch |
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 The Bratch Bridge, seen from the canal |
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 Bratch
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| OS grid reference | SO867937 |
| District |
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| Shire county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | Wolverhampton |
| Postcode district | WV5 |
| Dialling code | 01902 |
| Police | Staffordshire |
| Fire | Staffordshire |
| Ambulance | West Midlands |
| EU Parliament | West Midlands |
| UK Parliament |
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The Bratch is a special area in Wombourne, a village in South Staffordshire, England. It's famous for its old industrial history. Today, it's a popular spot for people who enjoy walking, cycling, and horse riding. Long ago, Bratch was a tiny village on its own. It only became part of Wombourne in the 1900s.
Contents
What's in a Name? The Story of Bratch
The name "Bratch" comes from a very old form of English. This language was spoken by the Angles tribe. In their dialect, the word brēc meant new land that had been cleared.
You can find other places called Bratch in Staffordshire. For example, there are Bratches near Enville and Norton Canes. These places are usually found near the edges of old forests. So, a "bratch" was a new clearing made in a wild, undeveloped area.
Bratch Locks: A Canal Engineering Marvel
The Bratch Locks are a well-known part of the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal. A famous engineer named James Brindley designed this canal. The locks first opened in 1772. They were originally built as a "staircase" of three locks. This means they were connected one after another.
Later, these locks were rebuilt. They became three separate locks. Two bridges, a toll house, and a keeper's cottage serve the locks. The whole area shows great examples of Georgian architecture. These buildings are made from beautiful local bricks. They are a well-preserved piece of history.
Bratch Pumping Station: Powering Water Supply
The Bratch Pumping Station is a great example of Victorian architecture and engineering. It was built in 1895. This station was created because of a disagreement over water prices. The town of Bilston used to get its water from Wolverhampton. But Bilston's council decided to find its own water supply.
After some discussion, they chose to build a water works at Bratch. This was about seven miles from Bilston.
Design and Operation of the Pumping Station
The pumping station tower was built with fancy brickwork. It has grand pinnacles at the top. You can easily see it from the canal. There used to be a tall, Italianate chimney stack. But this was taken down after the station was no longer used.
Two large steam engines worked here for over 60 years. They pumped water from the ground below. The water came from a type of sandstone called Bunter. The engines lifted the water about 50 meters. Then, it was pumped to a reservoir about 100 meters higher. This reservoir was on the border between Wolverhampton and Bilston.
Bratch Pumping Station Today
The Bratch site is still used today to get water. Severn Trent water company uses it. However, the old pumping station stopped working in 1960.
The building and one of the original engines were restored starting in 1991. With help from Severn Trent and a group called Friends of the Bratch, the engines are sometimes run. Chief Engineer Len Crane and local volunteers hold special "steaming" events on public holidays. This lets visitors see the old engines in action.
The Former Wombourn Railway Station: A Path for Nature
Wombourn railway station was located at the Bratch. It was about 200 meters from the locks. The spelling "Wombourn" was correct back then. The final 'e' became common later. This station served the Wombourne Branch Line of the Great Western Railway. This railway line was built between 1913 and 1925.
A Line Through History
Not many passengers used the line. It stopped carrying passengers in peacetime as early as 1932. However, it became very important during World War II. It was used to transport important materials and soldiers. After 1945, the line was used less and less. It finally closed in 1965. This was part of the "Beeching cuts," which closed many railway lines.
The railway line runs next to the canal and the Smestow Brook. The land where the railway used to be has now become a special nature area. It is called the South Staffordshire Railway Walk Local Nature Reserve. It is also part of the Smestow Valley Local Nature Reserve.
The Station Today
The old railway track is now a bridle path. This means walkers, cyclists, and horse riders can use it. It offers great views of the Staffordshire countryside. The former station building is now an information point and a café. It has a car park for visitors. The site is also home to several community groups.
Gallery
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The Bratch Upper Bridge and toll house at the Bratch Locks.
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The flight of three locks, i.e. six gates, presents a considerable challenge to boats, and is very narrow in places.
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Upper locks and toll house.
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The pumping station from the north, showing ornate brickwork and pinnacles.
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The pumping engines
There are actually nine lock gates in total at Bratch Locks. Each lock has a pair of gates at the bottom and a single gate at the top.
