The first 2 locks at Etruria are a staircase pair.
A handcuff key is required for anti-vandal locks at Lock 3
Lift bridges 11 (Ivy House) and 21 (Norton Green) required a Sanitary Station key
You will need a windlass to operate Long Butts Lift bridge (bridge 23)
Our 'Lock Count' includes the lock at Froghall Basin.
Lock Gates
Tunnel AqueductHistory of the Caldon Canal
A waterway in England that connects the Trent and Mersey Canal at Etruria, through the industrialised area known as 'The Potteries' near Stoke-on-Trent, to Froghall in Staffordshire. The canal was first proposed in the late 18th century as a way of improving transport links in the area and was completed in 1779.
The canal was designed by James Brindley, a famous engineer of the time, and built by the Trent and Mersey Canal Company. It was intended to carry limestone, coal and other goods from the quarries and mines in the area to the growing cities of the Midlands. The Caldon Canal also served the pottery industry, which was booming in the area at the time.
The construction of the Caldon Canal was not without its difficulties. The route had to navigate steep hills and valleys, which required the construction of locks, aqueducts and tunnels. The Leek Tunnel, which is just over half a mile long, was one of the largest engineering feats of the time. It took six years to build and was the longest canal tunnel in England when it opened.
Despite these challenges, the Caldon Canal was a success, and it quickly became an important transport route. The canal was used to transport goods for over a century, but by the mid-20th century, it had fallen into disuse. The rise of road transport and the decline of the pottery industry meant that the canal was no longer economically viable.
In the 1960's however, the canal was saved from complete abandonment by a group of dedicated volunteers. The Caldon Canal Society was formed and over the next few decades, they worked tirelessly to restore the canal to its former glory. The society raised funds, cleared vegetation, and repaired locks and tunnels.
Today, the Caldon Canal is a popular tourist attraction and a haven for wildlife. It is part of the Churnet Valley Living Landscape Partnership, a group dedicated to preserving the natural and cultural heritage of the area. The canal is also used for recreational boating and fishing.
In conclusion, the Caldon Canal has a rich history that spans over two centuries. It played an important role in the transport of goods in the Midlands and helped to support the booming pottery industry.
Today, it is a testament to the ingenuity of the engineers of the past and a reminder of the importance of preserving our industrial heritage.
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