This is getting very intriguing, if the extension was planned in 1810, as by that time the Peak Forest Tramway had been running very successfully for 14 years (since 1796). In fact, it had proved so successful that in 1803 the track was doubled throughout , apart from Stodhart tunnel & Buxton Road bridge.

Having done some research, I have determined where the original canal terminus was to have been, had it continued to Chapel Milton, and it was where I surmised - at the confluence of Blackbrook and Hockham brook that comes down from Wash. This plan was apparently abandoned as the engineers advised that the planned feeder reservoir on Hockham brook in Wash would not be able to supply sufficient water in summer.

The original plan included a flight of 12 locks termed the Whitehough locks to raise the canal level enough to reach Chapel Milton. These would have stretched from Bugsworth to Whitehough!

Knowing how long it would take a boat to traverse a flight of 12 locks, I just can't see how anyone would consider this a better way to transport limestone from Chapel Milton to Bugsworth and beyond than the gangs of wagons freewheeling down the tramway at a steady 6mph.

 

Good evening all, this topic is really interesting to me, as in November my family and I moved to Whaley Bridge and live on Bridge street, next door to the Vets. 

Can anyone tell me the history of the building? I know it was built in 1870 but have no idea what it's original purpose was.


Thanks


Marc

Edited by user 10 March 2013 18:49:19(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified