Runcorn and Weston Canal facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Runcorn and Weston Canal
The derelict entrance to the canal from the Weston Canal
Specifications
Maximum boat length	72 ft 3 in (22.02 m)
Maximum boat beam	18 ft 5 in (5.61 m)
Locks	2
Status	Derelict, part infilled
History
Original owner	Earl of Ellesmere
Date of act	1853
Date completed	1859
Date closed	1939
Geography
Start point	Weston Docks
End point	Runcorn Docks
Connects to	Bridgewater Canal, Weaver Navigation

The Runcorn and Weston Canal was a short waterway in Cheshire, England. It was built to connect the Weston Canal (part of the River Weaver Navigation) to the Bridgewater Canal and the docks at Runcorn. It was finished in 1859 but wasn't used very much. About half of the canal later became the Arnold Dock in 1876. This part was made wider and deeper. It was also connected to Fenton Dock by a special lock for ships. In the 1960s, parts of the canal and the dock were filled in. The rest of the canal is now unused and run-down.

How the Canal Was Built

The idea for a canal to link the Bridgewater Canal to the River Weaver Navigation came up in late 1852. The general manager of the Bridgewater Canal, Fereday Smith, met with the Weaver trustees. The main goal was to help move salt between the two waterway systems.

Getting Permission to Build

An Act of Parliament (a special law) was passed on June 14, 1853. This law allowed the canal to be built. It would run from Francis Dock in Runcorn to the River Weaver Navigation or Weston Canal at Weston Point. The Earl of Ellesmere paid for the canal himself. He planned to sell it to his trustees after it was built. Then, they could charge money for boats to use it.

Finishing the Canal

The Earl died in 1857, and the canal was only partly built. A new law was needed because the trustees couldn't deal with the new Earl. The second law allowed them to buy the unfinished canal and complete it. This work was limited to a cost of £40,000. The canal was about 1.4 miles (2.3 km) long. It had a lock at each end. These locks were big enough for boats that were 72.2 by 18.4 feet (22.0 by 5.6 m). The canal was finished in 1859.

Early Use of the Canal

Even after it was built, the canal didn't seem to be used much. Records from 1883 show that only 4,400 tons of salt moved along the canal. This was a small part of the 36,400 tons of salt that arrived at Runcorn Docks from the River Weaver.

Changes and Decline

When the canal was first built, it had a lock near the Weston Canal. Another lock was where it joined Francis Dock in Runcorn. The Runcorn end of the canal was changed in 1876.

Creating Arnold Dock

The Bridgewater Canal Company turned the first section into a ship basin. They made it 15 feet (4.6 m) deep. They also made it 14 feet (4.3 m) wider. New loading areas were built along the side closest to the Mersey River. The Runcorn lock was moved further along the canal. It was placed at the end of the widened section, near Weston Point Docks.

This new ship basin was called Arnold Dock. It was connected to Fenton Dock by a large lock. This lock had three sets of gates. It allowed ships up to 120 by 26 feet (36.6 by 7.9 m) with a depth of 15 feet (4.6 m) to dock there. The docks did well, handling 500,000 tons of goods in 1877. However, only a small amount of this traffic used the canal itself. The original lock into Francis Dock was kept for a while. But by 1907, its gates were removed. This was because Francis Dock and Arnold Dock were kept at the same water level. Other docks like Fenton and Alfred were at a lower level.

The Canal's Final Years

When the Manchester Ship Canal was built, the Runcorn and Weston Canal still had a purpose. It helped smaller canal boats avoid the large ships on the new canal. The canal could be used by boats until the early 1960s. The author John Seymour wrote about a difficult trip on the almost-dry canal in 1963. An official from the Manchester Ship Canal said it had been "physically, as well as officially" closed for a year.

The series of locks from the Bridgewater Canal down to Runcorn Docks were filled in. This happened when the Runcorn-Widnes road bridge was built in 1966. About half of the Runcorn and Weston Canal was filled in at the same time. The southern half still has water but is now unused and run-down.

The Canal Today

The new set of locks from the Bridgewater Canal was closed in 1966. However, the old set of locks was left in place and covered over. The local council protects the path of these old locks. There are plans to reopen them. If this happens, the Runcorn and Weston Canal would likely be reopened too. This would give pleasure boats a place to go after using the locks, without having to travel on the busy Manchester Ship Canal.

Peel Ports, who own the Manchester Ship Canal, have made it easier for pleasure boats to use the Ship Canal. Boats on the Shropshire Union Canal can reach Weston Marsh Lock by joining the Ship Canal at Ellesmere Port. A longer trip is possible from the Bridgewater Canal. This canal connects to the Ship Canal at the Manchester end through a lock into Pomona No. 3 Dock.

Future Plans for Runcorn Locks

In 2015, the Runcorn Locks Restoration Society started their "Unlock Runcorn" campaign. This group wants to reopen the locks in Runcorn's Old Town. They believe that more boats passing through would bring good things to the area. This includes economic, fun, and social benefits for local people.

Points of Interest