Stewart Aqueduct facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Stewart Aqueduct |
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The Stewart (or Steward) Aqueduct
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| Coordinates | 52°30′21″N 1°59′51″W / 52.5059°N 1.9974°W |
| OS grid reference | |
| Carries | BCN Old Main Line |
| Crosses | BCN New Main Line |
| Locale | Smethwick |
| Maintained by | Canal & River Trust |
| Heritage status | Grade II listed |
| Characteristics | |
| Trough construction | Brick |
| Pier construction | Brick |
| Traversable? | Yes |
| Towpaths | Both |
| Number of spans | Two |
| Piers in water | One |
| History | |
| Designer | Thomas Telford |
| Construction end | 1828 |
The Stewart Aqueduct (also called the Steward Aqueduct) is a special bridge for canals. It is located in Smethwick, West Midlands, England. This amazing structure carries the BCN Old Main Line Canal over the BCN New Main Line Canal.
Imagine a water bridge that lets boats sail over another canal! Next to the New Main Line Canal, a railway line and the M5 motorway also cross over.
Contents
What is the Stewart Aqueduct?
The Stewart Aqueduct is like a bridge, but instead of carrying cars or people, it carries a canal filled with water. It was built in 1829 by a famous engineer named Thomas Telford. This aqueduct is a very important part of the canal system in the Midlands.
A Bridge for Boats
The aqueduct helps the older BCN Old Main Line Canal (built in 1770) cross over the newer BCN New Main Line Canal (built in 1828). This was a clever way to make canal travel smoother. It meant boats didn't have to go up and down locks as much.
Designed by a Master Engineer
Thomas Telford was a brilliant engineer who designed many bridges and canals. He built the Stewart Aqueduct to improve the canal network. His new canal line helped bypass an older, more difficult section.
Its Role in History
The canals in this area were super important during the Industrial Revolution. This was a time when Britain changed a lot, with new factories and machines. Canals were like the motorways of their time.
Moving Goods and Materials
The canals helped move heavy things like coal and raw materials to factories in Birmingham. They also carried finished products from the factories to other parts of the country. This helped businesses grow and made the Midlands a busy industrial center.
Where is it Located?
The Stewart Aqueduct is in Smethwick, a town with a rich industrial past. It's near where the famous Chance's Glass Works used to be. This factory made glass, including the glass for the Crystal Palace in London.
Canal Junction Nearby
The aqueduct is also close to Spon Lane Canal Junction. This is a busy spot where different routes of the BCN Old Main Line Canal meet. It's like a crossroads for boats!
A Protected Landmark
The Stewart Aqueduct is a "Grade II listed" building. This means it's a special historical building that is protected by law. It's important to keep it safe because it tells us about Britain's engineering past.
Images for kids
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Motorway (M5) over railway over canal over canal
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The aqueduct behind struts of motorway looking towards Birmingham
