Brindley's Summit at Smethwick

8.4 Canal Hunter follows the original course of James Brindley's Birmingham Canal over the tricky summit at Smethwick. A mixture of history lite, archive photos and contemporary drone footage.
#narrowboats #canals #bcn #birmingham

[@getubelogin]

I love navigation this section of canal. I always wonder how many millions of motorists have driven this stretch of mototway without realising the canal exists below?

[@lifeat2.3milesanhour57]

About 99%

[@KarlDias-sn5cq]

Very interesting as usual. I grew up in Hateley Heath in 60's and 70's with the Ridgeacre branch being my local canal. I remember the hump back bridge in Jowett's Lane with the remains of the Dartmouth branch under it. You have said before that road names can give clues. Have you seen Hidden Lock in Smethwick? Seems to be in the right place. Keep up the good work!!

[@lifeat2.3milesanhour57]

I hadn't spotted that nod to the past!

[@18robsmith]

How attitudes have changed in the last 50 or 60 years. When the M5 &M6 were built so much of the old canal & rail infrastructure was just dug up and lost, but now the HS2 works spend time carefully excavating & recording such and then, where possible, either build around or infill in a manner that may allow it to be seen again in the future.

[@lifeat2.3milesanhour57]

I think that there is an increased appreciation of the old infrastructure these days.

[@gospelman7222]

Absolutely fascinating! Thank you so much for uploading this video. So many memories brought back, so much remains unchanged from half a century (and more) ago, and yet also great change with the construction of the M5 motorway. By-the by, the image of the coal staithe from the Sandwell pit, in the 1911 census my great-grandfather was listed as being a labourer at this staithe.

[@lifeat2.3milesanhour57]

Glad you enjoyed it - the Smethwick area is one of my favourites.

[@andrewjones5513]

As an inmate, sorry resident of Sandwell I love these videos, so many places I know well and so much history I never knew before watching

[@dennyporter2447]

Wow.. quite interesting bit of history.. so many changes over the years.. Cheers Andy from Missouri USA..

[@lifeat2.3milesanhour57]

You are welcome Dennis.

[@grahamhall8249]

Great vid again Andy, I've walked all around the BCN now, but this is putting the icing on the top. I never knew about the old line being replaced by Smeaton. This series is really Informative, so thanks for sharing. See you on the next one. 👍👍

[@lifeat2.3milesanhour57]

The construction was a really interesting challenge because they kept the canal operating during the process. I had a look at that in series 1.

[@stephenbelshaw3042]

Hi Andy ,I find your canal hunting fascinating, I have always loved canals Your presentation and history of the canals is first class.Thank you

[@lifeat2.3milesanhour57]

Thank you.

[@colinness375]

Thanks, Andy. Very interesting, as always. Keep up the excellent work.

[@lifeat2.3milesanhour57]

I have to admit that I am enjoying making the series. Some of the lost sections cover ground I have been over before, but not with the benefit of the drone and of course the photo library has grown an lot in the last 3 years.

[@morturn]

Another well researched well-presented informative video, thank you.

[@lifeat2.3milesanhour57]

Thanks!

[@christinegibbins6105]

Many thanks Andy. Looked up Smeaton, did not know he was involved in so many project.

[@lifeat2.3milesanhour57]

He was a busy man - much under appreciated.

[@TrevsTravelsByNarrowboat]

Nice one again Andy

[@lifeat2.3milesanhour57]

Thanks Trev

[@silverstar1964]

Wonderful video, very interesting and the old photos are fascinating.

[@lifeat2.3milesanhour57]

I really enjoy putting the modern scene into a historic context. Basically I have amassed a very large collection of archive photos and its great to share them with others.

[@steveparkes1266]

Wonderful history and really interesting, thanks for sharing 👍

[@lifeat2.3milesanhour57]

Its a pleasure Steve.

[@donoconnor6435]

Another great video Andy, very enjoyable and great drone shots

[@lifeat2.3milesanhour57]

I was still being hit with the Winson Green jammers at the Smethwick Locks end of that trip!

[@leontimmins8257]

Great episode Andy! Keep up the good work

[@lifeat2.3milesanhour57]

Thanks Leon.

[@66oggy]

I cycled this today, and finally completed the Birmingham canal system I was born and brought up in Buxworth, or Buggy as we call it. Buggy Basin was the interchange point between the Peak Forest Canal, and Peak Forest Tramway, so I think my fascination with canals and industrial archaeology stems from there. Ironically, I am working on a full renovation of an old farm cottage, that stands about 200 yards from the memorial stone where James Brindley was born in Tunstead.

[@lifeat2.3milesanhour57]

I hope you didnt get too bogged down on the old main line at Spon Lane - It was very wet when I tried to cycle it.