Thankyou for this great history of our past canal system , I was mostly interested in the wednesfield village area and Bentley Bridge area by where I live, it was great seeing the old pictures, and I shall watch it again, thank you so much for creating it for us all. Chris Dallaway , Graisely lane, area. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
I enjoyed seeing this video, and realising just how much it has changed. I have been led to believe that our boat 'Linton' was the last to navigate to the M6 culvert in August 1974. At that time Bentley Lane Bridge had girders underneath which were so low that we literally scraped through. On our return I hesitated and went into reverse, raising the water level under the boat, and damaged the windscreen as a result. I see that the photo I took has been used in the film (at 17m12s)
I live on beechdale and I've just walked my dog through reedswood Park along the old canal and through pouk Hill. I know a lot about thanks to your video. Also a big fan of slade as well. Enjoy your videos
Thank you so much for this video It was so informative. It’s funny, I was searching up the Anson Branch and it said it was disused and I always wondered why. I came across this absolute gem of a video and it made me realise how much of a hobby learning about waterways is to me. My favourite part of the video was learning that the Anson Branch ends in reedswood park, because I’ve been taking my walks there for a good while, and I never knew until this video. Ahh the pure joy this brings me!
In the late 50's early sixties before the M6 was built we used to walk or bike to the Reedswood Park open-air swimming pool along the Anson brach towpath during the summer school holidays.
Really enjoyed that. I have walked the first part many times, from the Walsall Canal to the M6 as its very local to me, but have never ventured across the M6. Thank you for this film.
Fascinating video, l used to live in Bentley and can remember that area reasonably well. There was a AZ road map with the tunnel marked on it l recall but don’t ask me what year. I videotaped the cooling towers being blown up early in the morning. Very informative. Many 🙏
The tunnel is still there it just got to know where to look.. fantastic video that reminded me of my younger days playing in and around that canal stretch
@@ryanflavell6159 you wouldnt find it as I would imagine its overgrown... there was a local story that a German fighter pilot cashed and took up hiding in the tunnel
my childhood playground in the 70's. I remember being able to walk the entire length apart from the newly built m6. and at that time it was in good condition and regularly dredged for the power station the area around the inlet pump house was fascinating and there was also a popular at the time open air lido pool at the border of the park that almost backed on to the pump house. it pains me to see it in such a state in only 35/40 years or so!
Glad I can add toy your Saturday evening routine - I think I have one more filming opportunity before the big day - Lord's Hayes Branch (controversial spelling!)
So this was really interesting to me because I live less than 5 min from this location, had always wondered about the strange layout and now I know why
Very interesting as always.. liked the story about the power plants along the canal .. too bad you couldn't find the tunnel entrance.. that would have been awesome..
i remember the bridge being stolen by the gipsys that were staying on the land where all the lorry trailers are parked i remember the canal being blocked off and partially filled in but i dont remember any ground fire i think it had more to do with the gas works right by where it is filled in that wasn't there before the canal got filled in
Great episode. Possibly the best one so far. When did the Walsall canal junction get filled in? I don't think you said that. I seem to remember having an abortive attempt at going up a bit of it and that would have been about 1983. I can remember seeing the photo that you showed of the boat near the M6 culvert at that time, Also, I was a bit confused about the aqueduct. Is it actually two aqueducts one after the other? One for the river the other for the path (&drain)?
I think it was filled in in the early 80's to combat the fires underneath the embankment. There is just one aqueduct which crossed the river Tame - there is another one close bye - the James Aqueduct but that takes a road under the existing Walsall Canal.
I wish I had more on it but sadly the gent with the expert knowledge who told me died a few years ago and the details went with him! As it was a flat top bridge in the section they were filling in, my assumption is that there was an access track to it at the time and the iron bridge top was dropped into a truck and just evaporated one night.
Thankyou for this great history of our past canal system , I was mostly interested in the wednesfield village area and Bentley Bridge area by where I live, it was great seeing the old pictures, and I shall watch it again, thank you so much for creating it for us all.
Chris Dallaway ,
Graisely lane, area. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
I enjoyed seeing this video, and realising just how much it has changed. I have been led to believe that our boat 'Linton' was the last to navigate to the M6 culvert in August 1974. At that time Bentley Lane Bridge had girders underneath which were so low that we literally scraped through. On our return I hesitated and went into reverse, raising the water level under the boat, and damaged the windscreen as a result. I see that the photo I took has been used in the film (at 17m12s)
I live on beechdale and I've just walked my dog through reedswood Park along the old canal and through pouk Hill. I know a lot about thanks to your video. Also a big fan of slade as well. Enjoy your videos
Fascinating film, I love seeing these mainly forgotten parts of our heritage. Many thanks and best wishes!
Thank you so much for this video It was so informative. It’s funny, I was searching up the Anson Branch and it said it was disused and I always wondered why. I came across this absolute gem of a video and it made me realise how much of a hobby learning about waterways is to me.
My favourite part of the video was learning that the Anson Branch ends in reedswood park, because I’ve been taking my walks there for a good while, and I never knew until this video. Ahh the pure joy this brings me!
You are so welcome!
In the late 50's early sixties before the M6 was built we used to walk or bike to the Reedswood Park open-air swimming pool along the Anson brach towpath during the summer school holidays.
Really enjoyed that. I have walked the first part many times, from the Walsall Canal to the M6 as its very local to me, but have never ventured across the M6. Thank you for this film.
The BCN is a bit like peeling an onion - always another level to discover!
@@lifeat2.3milesanhour57 I've cycled and walked the canals for years around these parts but not looked into much of the History.
Walk my dog around the first bit you explored. Great video!
Fascinating video, l used to live in Bentley and can remember that area reasonably well. There was a AZ road map with the tunnel marked on it l recall but don’t ask me what year. I videotaped the cooling towers being blown up early in the morning. Very informative. Many 🙏
I'd love to see that footage. I've tried to find it online
Great video as always Andy, very interesting, thanks 🙂👍🏻
Thanks Morty
Really love all your vlogs! Only discovered your channel recently and have caught up with the series to date. Interesting and informative.👍
The tunnel is still there it just got to know where to look.. fantastic video that reminded me of my younger days playing in and around that canal stretch
Jon - it turns out I was about 200 feet away from the tunnel - so near yet so far! A good reason to return.
Where about is it? I live on beechdale and walk my dog near by
@@ryanflavell6159 you wouldnt find it as I would imagine its overgrown... there was a local story that a German fighter pilot cashed and took up hiding in the tunnel
my childhood playground in the 70's. I remember being able to walk the entire length apart from the newly built m6. and at that time it was in good condition and regularly dredged for the power station the area around the inlet pump house was fascinating and there was also a popular at the time open air lido pool at the border of the park that almost backed on to the pump house. it pains me to see it in such a state in only 35/40 years or so!
Thanks for the insight Shayne. The whole area seems to be an overgrown shadow of its former self.
Nice to settle down on a Saturday evening and take in another “Tidy” Video . Happy Christmas Squire!
Glad I can add toy your Saturday evening routine - I think I have one more filming opportunity before the big day - Lord's Hayes Branch (controversial spelling!)
Brilliant video & Neville Holder a Beechdale Lad!
So this was really interesting to me because I live less than 5 min from this location, had always wondered about the strange layout and now I know why
Fascinating, as always. Thanks Andy! 🤓🇨🇦
A pleasure Robin
loving your series... look forward to every video... thanks again and happy christmas and great new year !!!
Cheers Dave - have a great Christmas too. After the break we move on the Wyrley Bank Branch.
Very interesting as always.. liked the story about the power plants along the canal .. too bad you couldn't find the tunnel entrance.. that would have been awesome..
There is a big section about Ocker Hill power station in episode 3 on series 5 - which will be out in about 10 days time.
Lost canals... My top Christmas viewing for 2019
i remember the bridge being stolen by the gipsys that were staying on the land where all the lorry trailers are parked i remember the canal being blocked off and partially filled in but i dont remember any ground fire i think it had more to do with the gas works right by where it is filled in that wasn't there before the canal got filled in
Hi there
First time I have watched your video very interesting enjoyed
It will watch more
Have a nice Christmas and happy New year
Glad you are enjoying them Ron - the background research really brings the area to life.
Another great video mate.
Thanks for watching.
Enjoyed this too. I had a cousin who wrote 'Voyage in a Bowler hat' which is a good read if you can find a copy.
I will look out for that one!
Great episode. Possibly the best one so far.
When did the Walsall canal junction get filled in? I don't think you said that. I seem to remember having an abortive attempt at going up a bit of it and that would have been about 1983. I can remember seeing the photo that you showed of the boat near the M6 culvert at that time,
Also, I was a bit confused about the aqueduct. Is it actually two aqueducts one after the other? One for the river the other for the path (&drain)?
I think it was filled in in the early 80's to combat the fires underneath the embankment. There is just one aqueduct which crossed the river Tame - there is another one close bye - the James Aqueduct but that takes a road under the existing Walsall Canal.
Spotted the rat! Shame about all of the anti social behaviour. Great video
A bridge was stolen? You can't mention that without giving a little more information!
I wish I had more on it but sadly the gent with the expert knowledge who told me died a few years ago and the details went with him! As it was a flat top bridge in the section they were filling in, my assumption is that there was an access track to it at the time and the iron bridge top was dropped into a truck and just evaporated one night.
@@lifeat2.3milesanhour57 They will nick anything round there!
:)
GIPSYS STOLE IT AND WEIGHED IT IN IT WAS MADE OF IRON