Bugsworth basin is one end of the peak forest canal, Ashton-under-Lyne, being at the other, built in 1800 mainly to transport lime stone, quarried locally.
The stone was brought to the basin via a tram way, the route still exists but is now a pleasant track for walkers and sight seers, the trams basically rolled down the hill with one man in charge of many waggons, the empty waggons were pulled back to the quarries by horse.
Middle basin arm, used to have a roof to protect the burnt ( quick ) lime, must be kept dry.
To the right of the picture are the remains of the lime kilns, and large tunnel leads into what was the lime shed, seen from the other side in the first picture,
Looking out from the smaller tunnel into the middle basin and lime kiln area and two nosey Yorkies !
Micky Jay moored just under one of the two horse transfer bridges ( replicas ) on the lower basin.
Wharf and tipping area at the end of the tram way from the quarries
Closer shot of what was the lime kilns.
Former site of a secure goods warehouse, the stone in the water was a foundation stone of the warehouse that straddled the narrow boat loading area.
We enjoyed our wander round the site and both agreed that the sunshine makes this a pleasant spot to do just that, however, there is an underlying feeling of sadness here too, that can be particularly felt as the sun goes down and the dog walkers, day trippers etc, leave the site, especially sad for one boatman's wife who was murdered in the cabin of their boat in 1898. ( Ali has been on her best behaviour since we arrived here )
This is only a small amount of information and a few of the pictures we took, we didn't want to bore you with much more about the place and the industry, but it's worth a visit if you are ever this way.
A special mention to the many volunteers who give their time, in the day to day running of the site, and all the hard work they do with restoring and fundraising.
We intend to start our move back to Bollington soon, where we hope to meet Phil, who is coming up from London to visit.
Bye for now
Baz and Ali
Fascinating, I have vague memories of heaps of lime on building sites which I was seriously warned never to touch, one rule I did adhere to from fear of burning!
ReplyDeleteDoes look like quite a poignant place - a ghost-town-esque feeling to the place. All that industry and activity, all gone.
ReplyDeleteReminds me of these photos I happened to see yesterday - http://myscienceacademy.org/2013/04/14/the-33-most-beautiful-abandoned-places-in-the-world/
Looking forward to the visit! Need me to bring any supplies?
Yea, that sums the place up Phil - we really enjoyed our time there. Thanks for the link.
DeleteWe'll text re supplies - looking forward to your visit. x