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Bridge No. 16 is "Bottom Lock Change Bridge"

Each bridge on the canal is numbered to aid navigation and make them easily identifiable. Bridge No. 16's official title is "Bottom Lock Change Bridge". This bridge has an unusually long tunnel. It's possible that this is because the Tramway that was used to convey cargo from the upper section passed over the canal at this point, or it may be for some other reason that's no longer clear.

Bridge Number 16Bottom Lock Change Bridge

The house next to Bridge No. 16 is Aqueduct House it was built in 1812 and was associated with the original Aqueduct Mill, rather than with the canal.

Aqueduct HouseAqueduct House.

The approach to Bottom Lock

After passing under Bridge No. 16 there's a wide pool with plenty of room for mooring to allow boats to wait their turn to commence passage through Lock No. 1, better known as "Bottom Lock". The black and white photograph below shows the approach to Bottom Lock around 80 to 100 years ago, a scene that is thankfully little changed today.

Bottom Lock around 100 years ago.Bottom Lock

Photo credits:
Modern day photographs - Mark Whittaker.
Historic Images: The Marple Website Virtual History Tour
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