Ogley Junction facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ogley Junction |
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The towpath bridge over the Lichfield Canal at Ogley Junction
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| Specifications | |
| Status | Open |
| Navigation authority | British Waterways |
| History | |
| Date completed | 1800 |
Ogley Junction, found near Brownhills in the West Midlands, England, is a historic spot on the Wyrley and Essington Canal. It's where the Anglesey Branch of the canal used to leave the main waterway. This main canal once connected to the Coventry Canal at Huddlesford Junction, close to Lichfield. It's a key place in the story of England's canals!
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Building the Wyrley and Essington Canal
The Wyrley and Essington Canal, which passes through Ogley Junction, was part of a big plan. It was first approved by the government in 1792. The original idea was a main canal from coal mines at Wyrley and Essington to the Birmingham Canal Navigations near Wolverhampton. It also had a branch to Birchills, north of Walsall.
Before this first part was even finished, a new plan was approved in 1794. This new plan added a huge extension to the east. This extension went from Birchills through Pelsall to Brownhills, where more coal mines were. Then, it dropped down through thirteen locks to Huddlesford Junction. Huddlesford was on the Coventry Canal. This new, longer main canal opened completely in 1797.
Water for the Canal
After the canal opened, there were some problems, especially with getting enough water. Things got worse when a reservoir dam broke in 1799. But the problem was solved when a new reservoir was built at Chasewater in 1800.
This new reservoir sent water into the canal right where Ogley Junction is today. However, this water channel wasn't wide enough for boats at first. It only became a proper junction around 1863. That's when the Marquess of Anglesey started digging for coal near the reservoir. The water channel was made wider so that boats could reach Anglesey Basin to serve the mines.
Ogley Junction Today
The part of the Wyrley and Essington Canal that went east of Ogley Junction eventually stopped being used. It was officially closed by the government in 1954. This stretch is now known as the Lichfield Canal and is being brought back to life by people who want to restore it. A small piece of the old canal line still exists to the east of the junction, offering a place for boats to stop.
Where is Ogley Junction?
Most of the Wyrley and Essington Canal was flat. It connected to the Wolverhampton Level of the Birmingham Canal Navigations, which is about 144 metres (473 feet) above sea level.
From Ogley Junction, the Anglesey Branch goes northwest for about 2.4 kilometres (1.5 miles). It quickly goes under Anglesey Bridge and then crosses a railway track on a special bridge called an aqueduct, before reaching Anglesey Basin.
To the south, the canal is flat for about 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) to Longwood Junction. From there, it can join the Rushall Canal. Or, you can travel about 26 kilometres (16.2 miles) along the main canal line to Horseley Fields Junction, which connects to the BCN Main Line towards Wolverhampton and Birmingham.
The branch that goes towards Lichfield and Huddlesford heads east. The very start of this canal section has a special cast iron bridge. This bridge is considered a grade II listed building, which means it's an important historical structure. Each side of the bridge's arch is made from two metal pieces bolted together. One of them has the words "Horseley Ironworks 1829" carved into it, showing when and where it was made.
