Lancaster Canal Glasson Branch
engineered by John Rennie, 2.5 miles long with 7 locks

History and General Knowledge of the Lancaster Canal Glasson Branch

Construction on the short 2.5-mile Glasson Dock branch began in 1819 and was completed in 1826 providing a link to the sea via Glasson Dock.

Branching off the Lancaster Canal a short distance south of Galgate Waterside Marina.

Glasson dock exits into the River Lune and then into the Irish Sea.

History of the Lancaster Canal Glasson Branch

Connecting the main Lancaster Canal to the port of Glasson Dock on the Lancashire coast. The branch was constructed in the mid-19th century to provide a transport route for goods such as coal, timber, and cotton to the port of Glasson, which was an important hub for trade with the West Indies and North America.

The idea for the Glasson Branch was first proposed in the 1820's, but it was not until the 1850's that construction began. The branch was designed by John Frederic La Trobe Bateman, a prominent civil engineer who also worked on other important projects of the time, including the Thames Tunnel and the London sewerage system. The branch ran for approximately six miles from the main Lancaster Canal at Galgate to the port of Glasson.

The construction of the Glasson Branch was a significant engineering feat for its time, involving the excavation of several tunnels, aqueducts and locks. The branch included seven locks, one at Galgate basin and the others fairly evenly spread to the Lancaster Canal junction and at Lock number 1. The branch was officially opened in 1826, providing a vital transport route for goods to and from Glasson.

The Glasson Branch quickly became an important transport route for goods, linking the Lancaster Canal to the port of Glasson and other important commercial centers. The branch was particularly important for the transport of coal, which was brought in from local collieries and shipped out to other parts of the country and overseas. The branch also facilitated the transport of other goods such as timber and cotton, which were shipped in from North America and the West Indies.

However, with the advent of the railway in the mid-19th century, the importance of the Glasson Branch began to decline. Many of the goods that had previously been transported by canal were now being carried by train, and the branch struggled to compete. In the early 20th century, traffic on the branch had dwindled to a fraction of its former levels, and it was eventually closed to commercial traffic in 1947.

Since then, the Glasson Branch has been restored and reopened for recreational use. Today, it is a popular destination for boaters, walkers and cyclists, offering a glimpse into the region's industrial past and the important role that canals played in the development of the modern world. The branch is also known for its stunning scenery, with picturesque villages, rolling hills, and historic landmarks that attract visitors from around the world.