Inside a 215 year old Drained Canal Lock

[@MartinZero]

Here is the link to the River Tib video kzbin.info/www/bejne/nXvGfnerhKmFqbc

[@threepotMR2]

cant wait to see you in your waders with shovel, quite excited to see what you found.

[@MartinZero]

@@threepotMR2 Up to my knees in mud in my wellies

[@scotchegg3419]

On tib Street there is an inspection chamber. It's a round steel cap about 5in diameter. Outside of the French hairdresser's.

[@MartinZero]

@@scotchegg3419 I'll have a look 👍

[@TeddyLagace-cm3io]

Could those squares carved and the bedrock be to secure their ladder climbing in and out of the canal during construction ?

[@PhilORourke]

Hi Guys, just to address the concerns of the people who where upset about the mud remaining; for what it's worth after cleaning out the lock or canals they will only take out most of the man made rubbish. Don't forget that the mud is probably an important part of the food chain for the creatures that inhabit the Canal and lock bottom. Ducks, Geese. Swans are all mud sifters, looking for invertebrates as a part of their diets. Also Swan Mussels, Aquatic worms help turn the water over and filter it effectively .The mud would also give cover for fish fry from predators. To remove all of the mud would setback the natural-ecosystem of our wonderful canals.Phil .Bsc Hons environmental sciences and Geography. Again , riveting and fascinating video journal of the legacy left by our fearless Engineers and Navigators of the Industrial Revolution. I wonder if Martin ever met the Late and Great Fred Dibnah. He seems to share his wonderful enthusiasm of the subject and Historical Period. Thanks Lads.

[@rogerdickinson920]

@Phil, the water is over 5' deep, at least. Do birds go down that deep? And yes, I was really ticked off about the lack of mud removal, BUT, on the other hand I hear you. I spouted off on another one of his videos but in hindsite probably shouldn't have been quite so quick to criticize. He is the messenger. If mud retention is so important, why was it not done in his other video? They cleaned the whole thing down to bare brick.

[@MrLaughinggrass]

@@rogerdickinson920 didn't they just clean the mud out of the lock not the rest of the canal.

[@rogerdickinson920]

@Mr, yes, just the lock. Cleaning out a canal wouldn't be possible. The canals seen in two videos have hard bottoms. Sandstone or brick. The mud is brought in by water, the trash is probably pitched in by locals.The original mud would contain heavy metals from the Industrial age, non of them good in the food chain. Look at the mercury content in some fish and also I'm told, Orcas.I don't know if run-off from roads and drains containing gas, oil plus? has a negative impact on the water system.There are mechanical means to remove most items, rakes, magnets, grapnels....bottles, I don't know. What about the lead acid batteries on the scooters?I'd like to see the water and mud checked.With all the CCTV's, catch the people chucking stuff into the canal and prosecute them. Check the vin# on the scooters and go back to the owners and start asking questions...was it stolen?

[@PhilORourke]

Good analysis Roger. In answering the issue of how far waterfowl can dive in canals to feed; It is more measurable when the canal itself, is up its maximum height in depth. Don't forget Roger after complete drainage of the water the mud will gain viscosity but lose elasticity or suspension, because it has lost buoyancy provided by the water. Also on the drainage process the mud will find a much lower base level because of the processes mentioned above. The canal at full depth allows natural percolation - if we put soil in a pint glass of water and stir it, then go to bed; in the morning the heavy constituents of the soil will remain static on the bottom but the upper surface's will form layers of different densities. We can reasonably determine from this minor experiment, that the base of the canal would be the bottom of the glass, and the u-shaped sides of the canal the upper layers. So all in all; we would have lighter silts and layers of detritus trapped within crevices and ledges caused by natural erosion of the 200 year old bricks. If you walk down any canal towpath you will probably find Mallards ,Moorhens etc, feeding in the lighter silt at upper levels and bigger waterfowl, Canada Geese, Swans etc,feeding a little lower. It looks like you have answered your own question on the mud issue. Yes Roger, the locks have to be mostly clear right down to sandstone in most cases to prevent the mud silting up and hampering effective drainage. Thank you for your comments Roger. Phil Alverasa. Bsc Hons Environmental Sciences & Geography

[@rogerdickinson920]

@Phil, My guess you are in North America. Has anyone done a report on the heavy metals or other pollutants or contaminants in the various levels of the mud or water column?If some of these locks have not been cleaned since the Industrial Revolution, the heavier metals, zinc, lead would settle to the bottom or get jammed into crevice's.Looks like the water movement is anything but like the Bay of Fundy but more like many areas of Louisiana which are flatter than a snakes belly and the ground doesn't perk,drains/culverts and ditches drain over a period of days.With so much of the Rochdale area paved or built on, where is all that muck coming from? Especially since some of them may go back to Roman times.In one of the videos on my binge yesterday as the water level dropped, the water emptying into the canal from an underground drain had a drop of several feet and formed a foam of bubbles. Soap? It wasn't Seafoam.

[@Dustin_N]

Obviously there's treasure behind those walled up arches

[@rudmanpaul2812]

Or spice...... loads of spice

[@iangillham9647]

The Notorious Manchester Pirates Treasure!

[@dewexdewex]

The iron handles to the right in the collection of found objects are for winding gate paddles up and down to empty or fill the lock. They weren't generally a fixture on lock gates, as vandals would be tempted to leave gate paddles open and let water run down hill to waste. All boats would therefore have one or two of these on board and they would inevitably get dropped by accident into the lock as boats went through.

[@conversely123]

I'm pretty sure that the bricked up arches will be mill race feeds, to power the nearby factory machinery.

[@mrolsen6987]

I was just about comment that too, 👍

[@dewexdewex]

@@Ed-ti1ss I'm not sure that would be very effective. There'd be a break in flow when the lock was emptied, as there'd be no head when the lock was in that state. Mill races are usually built around locks as a separate bypass channel which connects the high water level to the low water level. The mill is on that race channel and the constant flow of water through it provides the energy for work in the mill.

[@elwolf8536]

I wonderd what a mill race was 👍

[@thefatfrier]

Ok canal restoration guy here. The bricked up arch is very likely a left over from the original bridgewater canal arm around this area. Before the Rochdale canal was constructed there was an arm of the bridgewater canal that went through a few tunnels. You can see some of it poking up a bit further down the canal. The arch here was likely at one point a water channel to help keep water levels stable after this canal section was built. Or is could be a connection to the Manchester and Salford Junction canal which runs in a tunnel under the whole city centre, but I don't think it's as likely. Maps from this era are hard to read clearly. Hope that clears it up a bit. Mill races didn't use water from canals anywhere in the country. There simply isn't the water flow to allow a race to draw water. The Rochdale canal often had issues with water supply so they wouldn't have constructed mill races from it

[@dewexdewex]

@@thefatfrier That's interesting. Why do you think the taller bricked up structure is man sized? Could it be a recess for refuge, or do you think it's the entrance to a channel, as you say?

[@HK.Builds]

Can you do a video of the underground city in Manchester built during ww2

[@rupertstiltskin8778]

Which was updated in the early eighties.

[@roboxlade1057]

While seeing the old pictures at the end of this film, noting some of the dates. Back then KZbin wasn't even a concept let alone the internet. But just think in 30, 40 or 50 years from now, how will historical information will be delivered to us. There's one thing for certain, there will be many a reference to the great work of Martin Zero and this channel, just as Martin has referenced historical media on many occasion. Martin, another great film. Looking forward to your next piece. Thanks for sharing!!

[@MartinZero]

Thank you Rob you are too kind. 👍

[@cubicinches18]

Here here History without the bullshit

[@RiojaRoj]

Just love these vids looking back at some of the sights that I'd grown up with in and around manchester and stockport.

[@C345OFR]

Never apologise for delays, Martin. We're lucky to have you making this content. If anyone's _that_ impatient, it's their own bleedin' fault.

[@MartinZero]

Thank you

[@sarahlewis7669]

Came across your "River Tibb " video and subbed immediately and had to watch this. The arches could be18/19 century sewer works and bricked up when they built the cannel maybe? Excellent video I wold love to learn more as my g.g.g.g grand father was a blacksmith he actually taught young uns (lol) who went on to make chains etc and his grandson made the links for the Titanic Anchor. They lived in Manchester so maybe he knew who made your "Trapdoor " or it might even have him himself or his sone or grandson..........who knows. Thanks for all your hard work, time and patience making the Documentary style videos, they really are fantastic.

[@Simplyclouds2]

The blue disk is a computer game from a now defunct software publisher called Ocean. They were massive back in the eighties and early nineties and their head office was just around the corner from where you were. One of the employees probably dropped it back in the day.

[@C345OFR]

Bloody hell, I never knew Ocean were Manc-based. I have a Commodore 64 from my youth that came with a box of Ocean games (on cassette). I was going to sell/donate, but I'm not so sure now, with the local link. Thanks for the info!

[@MartinZero]

Wow I never knew that. Thank you thats really interesting 👍

[@Simplyclouds2]

Originally they were in the old Quaker Meeting House on Mount/Central street. @C345 OFR keep the C64! Thanks for the vid Martin, your enthusiasm for Manchester’s history is infectious.

[@MartinZero]

@@Simplyclouds2 Thank you

[@TheChodax]

@@C345OFR They were one of the biggest home computer games companies in the world for about 5 years, they should have went on the be giants but bad leadership and a slow shift to the consoles did for them. Love the videos btw Martin, it is important work that we document as much as we can whilst the canals are still there. KZbin at it's finest.

[@Smonc14]

I think that is so cool, I'm from America and because the country is so new we don't have as many historical places, and definitely ones not as old as the things y'all have there.

[@karl36mansfield]

The low arch combined with the channel that seems to cut across the lock makes me wonder if it wasn’t an older culvert that they chopped through when they dug the lock? great video as all ways Martin keep up the great work

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Karl

[@robertbilling6266]

There are places where an existing river was used to remove spoil or bring materials during canal construction.

[@pauldevey8628]

I love industrial and urban archaeology from the last 200 years. Best channel for it

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Paul, me also

[@bobjackson6524]

Another big WOW from me. And the photos at the end to the music was truly moving. Hard to put into words the nostalgic feeling of loss looking at those. Great vid, Will rewatch Tib vid next. Thsnkyou Martin, Keep it up.

[@thirdeyeview1111]

I love your videos of exploration. I look forward to them.I have an affinity for the U.K., I guess because my ancestors came from there. Keep up the great work!👍😊❤️

[@MartinZero]

Hello thanks very much. where are you from ?

[@thirdeyeview1111]

Martin Zero You're welcome. I was born/raised on Long Island, NY, now enjoying life as a newly minted pensioner (in UK lexicon) in NC, USA. Ex military.🙂

[@EveinEden301]

Stumbled upon this by accident, really glad I did! Fabulous!

[@randomrides]

I was born in Manchester, (Withington hospital) grew up in Rink at fallowfield and button lane whythenshawe before moving over to tameside, haughtongreen and hattersley. Married at Manchester before moving away. Looking back and seeing these areas and information.that would otherwise go unknown is fantastic thank you.

[@Shelldrakeaus]

Criminally under subbed

[@MartinZero]

Thank you 🙁

[@Shelldrakeaus]

@@MartinZero i love your videos. being from Australia we dont really have any old building or tunnels so it's great to see you explore and educate.

[@MartinZero]

@@Shelldrakeaus Thank you I really appreciate you watching so far away

[@isnoo1]

@@MartinZero I am finding your videos absolotely amazing. Thank you!!

[@Mitch-Hendren]

ICantBelieveItIsShelldrake not any more he's not.... brilliant to see too ,very very well deserved .

[@daviddearden6372]

When you look at the bottom of the lock the shapes you describe as like the Grand Canyon are evidence of erosion caused by water flowing in and out of the lock. If you look at the picture of the small arch you can see how water flowing into the lock has scoured away the rock. I am guessing that this was where water was let into the lock from upstream. Later this would have been replaced by paddles in the upstream gate. However no way was the big arch used for emptying or filling the lock with boats in it. The flow through a sluice that big would have been violent enough to tip a boat over. What I do recall is that at the time the Rochdale canal was built there was a dispute with the Bridgewater Company about boats transiting from the Rochdale Canal to the River Irwell. Hence the Manchester and Salford canal was built to bypass the Bridgewater. If the Bridgewater were being stroppy and would not allow excess water to flood from the Rochdale into their canal the Rochdale people had a problem. Hence your theory of a drain into the Medlock tunnel rings true. On a personal note back in the 1840s my ancestors were boatmen working on the Bridgewater Canal. They lived in and around Castlefield although I do have records of them at Leigh and at London Bridge (Runcorn) ie both ends of the canal.

[@neilbain8736]

I wonder if the big one fed water or maintained water level between the Rochdale and Manchester & Salford, and the small one was a drain to the Medlock.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks David

[@johnlaw3323]

Thanks again Martin, as always well worth any wait for the really interesting videos you put together, they always creates a yearning for more. What a finish with the old photos.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks John glad you enjoyed

[@isnoo1]

Have just found these videos...... am totally fascinated. THANK YOU!!

[@deborahtheredbrickchick468]

I’m a big fan of your work 🤩 Love your dedication! This canal footage was amazing. I believe it was all red brick at one stage til the world wide meltification ✨ Meltology is a new field of study which may answer some questions

[@raymondbonnici5812]

I find these programs very useful and informative and interesting to whatch thanks for sharing

[@Andrew-is7rs]

Your videos are superb. I love seeing our nations history revealed as the waters recede! Keep up the good work sir 👍🇬🇧

[@lesliedickinson198]

It'a always fascinating to see old archeology uncovered and even better to know it's still serving a purpose over 200 yrs later. Ive been fascinated by canals and railways since a child. Keep up the videos,,,,always interesting

[@MartinZero]

Thanks very much Leslie

[@KonaFocus]

Are these canals and locks still in use? Is it possible that the small arch was an early sewage drain INTO the canal? Very nice videos. I love history lessons from all areas, thanks for all your hard work!

[@ericharkness1862]

Fantastic channel Martin! I've just recently become interested in lost, built-over, and culverted watercourses and only stumbled on your channel today (in fact, I watched your video about the Tib just before this one, as you asked us to). This is going to keep me busy for quite some time! Thank you for the excellent work putting all this together for us! Cheers, Eric

[@MartinZero]

Thank you very much Eric

[@gcfcos]

Great video. That picture from 1984 looks like an explorers dream. Best pic I’ve seen in ages

[@castlejunction1707]

Fantastic video Martin.....always nice to watch.....never feel pressured in doing a video....we will always be here to watch them whenever they appear...but having written that you have wetted our appetite for the next one.....take care....

[@MartinZero]

Thank you Sir, yes the next one is being formed 😀

[@Ste-Suzz-69]

I'm amazed how deep it is ,as always very interesting vid from you and the gang ,love them!

[@phildavis4878]

Thank you again Martin for a wonderful video it was really interested to see the inside of that lock keep up the good work my friend

[@MartinZero]

Thank you Phil

[@terryansell6641]

Thanks Martin it’s so good to watch your videos, thank you from New Zealand

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Terry

[@Spehcktor]

I found your channel about a year ago. Post watching an video about a canal break, I searched "Manchester Canal". After two videos, I was hooked. Thanks Martin!

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Darcy. Much appreciated 😀

[@craigmorton4549]

Just subscribed. Great information and great secrets hidden. Amazing

[@rontanser9369]

It was lovely to see that drain Lock? standing looking up at those Lock gates. Wow, you don’t realise When full of water, how big they actually are.

[@markwilliams6226]

Another fascinating video Martin. Just going to rewatch the River Tin video to refresh my memory in readiness for the next one. Cheers

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Mark. I had to watch it myself 😃

[@swampthing20]

Another great and fascinating vid from Martin. Not only is his channel so watchable but in addition to all the research, filming and editing, just check out all the replies he's done to the c.300 comments already on here this evening - really impressive as always mate 👏👏 Nik

[@MartinZero]

Thanks very much. Yep the comments have kept me busy but its great to hear from you all 👍

[@hinbyrd2]

Just a thought that the square holes were for temporary dam or lock during the building of the canal or possibly a lift to pull the construction waste out of the canal. Just a thought .

[@bcegerton]

Brilliant Martin, love the way it’s cut out of the rock rather than the muddy bottom you see with the Rochdale Canal. See a few lock keys have been dropped in there

[@MartinZero]

Yes love that rock formation

[@kennethainsworth1716]

Hi Martin, just watched your new video, very interesting. I was looking at maps and Google Earth and the Medlock , where it goes undergound at Deansgate, heads Northwest to its underground exit at Potatoe Wharf. This route puts it diagonally across Lock 92. As for the bricked up archways, you could be right about a sluice gate affair, also consider for a reason for it to be the. The small one could be a steady overflow of surface debris and weed, but the larger one maybe would have been used for a major flushing of the canal before it empties into the Bridgewater Canal, especially after heavy rainfalls or snowmelt off the Pennines. Lock 92 is the last lock on the Rochdale system and they did not want to heavily contaminate the Bridgewater, so they opened the big sluice gate, leaving the lower lock gate closed and partially opened the upper lock gate to allow a controlled flow through the sluice and into the Medlock. Hope that explains it all. Keep them coming.

[@MartinZero]

Thank you Kenneth

[@Liam.P1983]

Thanks Martin I enjoyed this video , Looking forward for the next one .

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Liam, next one done 👍🏼

[@floor993]

Always such a pleasure these video’s! Old foto’s at the end are amazing! Now for the home work;)

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Flo 👍

[@sandmanjono1239]

Great video Martin - fascinating, if only we could have seen them building the canal !!! Keep the videos coming 👍🏻

[@MartinZero]

Thanks very much. That would be something to see

[@dewexdewex]

The lower bricked up structure will be some form of culvert; either for filling or draining the lock. If there is any evidence of another opening in the vicinity to which it is connected, it will show if it were used for fill or drain by its elevation relative to that in the lock. If the vertical bricked channel cut into the lock wall next to the other brick arched culvert has a corresponding channel cut into the other side of the lock wall, these may facilitate partial closure of the lock by boarding. This may be for maintenance or may have been used during initial construction. If it's only on one side, it would have had an integral ladder built into the recess for access to the lock. These are recessed to prevent boat damage. I wonder whether the door sized, arched recess would have been a refuge in the side of the lock.

[@canadiankewldude]

Thank you for sharing these experiences with the world. Much gratitude from Canada.

[@katherinekinnaird4408]

Always interesting. Thanks so much. Safe travels.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Katherine

[@steamsearcher]

I so remember coming out on this section of track and looking down on the canals during the 1960's. We always left at Deansgate Station and walked up into the center. Usually to visit the Model Railway Exhibition at the Corn Exchange. I did several shots of these last Saturday. 2500 possible photos in the camera and a wish to go back and spent just one hour on Central Station again!!! 1964 the last time for me! Love David and Lily.

[@MartinZero]

Hi Dave and Lily thing is I went to central station and saw it as a car park before GMex no camera oh how I wish

[@tomslade9782]

I own a narrowboat and it’s so interesting to learn the history, so thanks!

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Tom. Can you take me through Standedge tunnels 😁Please

[@benhollinshead6886]

I really like your videos and the whole story behind them it's quite extraordinary to learn the past of the Manchester canals that where I am from and are living. I only find out about you because I watch drasticg and he mentioned you in one of his videos. Keep up the good content pal

[@MartinZero]

Good old Gareth. thank you and I really appreciate you finding me and your support

[@chascarpenter5006]

Love you videos Martin, music's superb, thank you, Chas.

[@kdean9537]

Excellent video! Thank you Martin! 💖Take care...

[@shaunw9270]

Very interesting video . Fascinating bit of history .

[@mitchellc4405]

Love the videos! Thanks for always showing us something cool and historical to see.

[@MartinZero]

Thank you Mitchell your very kind 👍

[@flyaccelerated]

Once again, best video on the internet!

[@MartinZero]

Thank you very much

[@notsohairybiker]

Yet another fascinating video, the bricked up arches, no idea but I'm going to try and find out, well done again Martin.

[@MartinZero]

If you find out... Let me know

[@johnkelly2422]

Love those end historical shots...more please.

[@traceyprescott8347]

Thank you Martn, yet another fascinating vid.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Tracey

[@grendelgrendelsson5493]

That was another fascinating video. When you mentioned the Grand Canyon formations, exactly the same thought was going through my mind.

[@MartinZero]

Yes very strange weren't they 👍

[@grendelgrendelsson5493]

@@MartinZero I suppose that sandstone must be Triassic age wise. It must've been a hell of a desert.

[@neiladdison3458]

Not sure if someone else has come up with this idea (too many comments lol). I'm not a canal expert but have helped dig several fish ponds. Why is this relevant? We would always dig a sump in the bottom for the pump. Perhaps the engineers done the same. The channel leading to the arch could be a sump leading to a drain. They would know that the locks and canal would need draining for maintenance and repair. The large arch would be the main drain (as time is money, especially in the 1800's) and the smaller drain would be to keep the are dry(ish). I wouldn't be surprised if there are smaller channels dug towards the 'sump' to help channel any water. Great videos by the way.

[@jordanwoolley3475]

Wish I could meet ya 😭 but I'm on the other side of the world in new Zealand. You do amazing videos always excited when the next one comes out

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Jordan. Fly over we'll have coffee 👍😀

[@jordanwoolley3475]

I'm hoping to come over in June to see friends and family. So will have to see what happens 😀

[@morrislouiseeagle7161]

👏😁❤️Nice one - river tib video here I come! Your videos are worth waiting for ta x

[@MartinZero]

Thank you very much. Enjoy the Tib

[@kevwalton272]

very interesting and brilliantly presented.

[@christopherescott6787]

Had another peek at the river Tib video. You have me wondering just exactly your next idea is. No matter how grandiose or minute, your work here is phenomenal. I absolutely love it. Look forward to your next tour. Cheers from here in the frozen Canadian North.

[@MartinZero]

Thank you Sir Christopher and regards to The Frozen North ☄

[@Nathan.Manchester]

I love your videos and how I learn something about our city every time.

[@pauloneill9965]

As always very informative interesting wit little mystery thrown in to get imagination gray matter working. That arch/ over flow area bricked up dose get thinking wondering why wat wen it was done last used were goes so many questions that we you may never know the joy's of discovering our past top video look forward to nxt adventure Martin 👍🇮🇪☘

[@MartinZero]

Thanks very much Paul

[@nicolasdejager7845]

The squares cut into the bottom rock are basins used by the blacksmiths when forging new chisels for the masons they would fill the basins with water and quench the chisels in the basins.

[@edwardhalpin7503]

Thank you again, Martin zero. This is fascinating stuff. I plan to watch all of your videos. Many likely more than once. I understand canals are your thing but is there any chance you might do some research / videos into the original Manchester Liverpool Railway line considering the similarities in construction techniques and even the workers themselves? Either way thank you very much for your effort

[@petersheridan2993]

The Basin area was a dump of an industrial area for years, neglected canals filled with rubble/junk!! Buildings in disrepair. Remember it in the mid-sixties, Just can't think when it was redeveloped?? Have had a look-see in the week those canal builder where something special. Another informative Vlog. Thank you.

[@MartinZero]

I think it was renovated 90's not sure ?

[@MsStevieWoo]

Yey nice one martin......... turned out good. Took them long enough to drain it. Top vid as always

[@MsStevieWoo]

Track at the end is

[@MartinZero]

@@MsStevieWoo Thanks very much Stevie

[@daveconyard8946]

yet another gem thanks martin

[@MartinZero]

Cheers Dave

[@lindadiehl9569]

I knew absolutely nothing about British waterways -- other than Louis L'Amour's early Sackett books about the fens of the Cambridgeshire (which I nkow are totally different). This video was VERY interesting, and a great introduction to a beautiful country. Thank you. I will continue with your other videos.

[@shirty55]

Hi Martin, could you pinpoint the arches on a map, that way you can gauge where they may run in relation to the Medlock etc? By the way, your videos are fantastic and very informative, love them, keep up the great work.

[@floydskifloyd2870]

Another cool video lads look forward to part 2 👍

[@MartinZero]

Thanks very much mate

[@rydermike33]

Thanks again Martin, fascinating video. A real tribute to the canal 'navigators'. Nice to see those little retrieved items from the depths of the lock. No drone though sadly! Look forward to your next film.

[@MartinZero]

Nearly the year anniversary of the drone's death

[@kakarikiIck]

Absolutely fascinating

[@laszlofyre845]

More good stuff, sir. Thanks mate, looking out for thr next one.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Laszlo

[@terryansell6641]

Thank you for your most interesting video from New Zealand

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Terry

[@82lostsoul]

Love these videos! I grew up next to the Bridgewater Canal in Patricroft and was always fascinated by its history and engineering. Subscribed. 👌🏻

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Chris much appreciated

[@ThePresidentialTourist]

Very impressive video with lots of information. You deserve many more subs. Please keep up the great videos.

[@davidclark3603]

Absolutely brilliant, again!

[@MartinZero]

Thanks David

[@maureenmichel8761]

Really enjoyed your video about the river Tib great hanks keep them coming please

[@sparkyprojects]

You might not need arches that big if the canal started flooding, but you might need them to drain it quickly, like if they were cleaning it out, they could open the arch to get the water level to knee deep, then get in there to sweep the silt towards the arch while allowing water to flow in via one of the gate sluices. Just an idea.

[@DjNikGnashers]

I thought this was going to be a nerby borefest, but fair play mate, this was a really good & interesting video. Thank you for the time & effort you put into making it.

[@davidskeeterskeeter1835]

I can understand your fascination with the river Tib my friend,👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👍👍🇬🇧

[@noreenedge8951]

Enjoyed the video as usual.Good work.Keep well.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Noreen

[@adrianford2336]

Still loving your videos Martin love the old photos

[@brianmoore7910]

Brilliant video again Martin it's great for fishing for perch in them locks now I no where they hide 👍

[@MartinZero]

Big Pike as well

[@elizabethannferrario7113]

Thank you Martin fabulous video really the public have no idea both how deep the actual canal is and the lock gates enormous do they ever replace the gates ? Love all your video and we appreciate all your hard work behind the scenes the history is fascinating!

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Elizabeth yes those gates are huge. they replaced the ones at Deansgate locks last year

[@g1fsh]

U are awesome at this video makeing thing mate. That was superb.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Gary 😀👍

[@ldb281]

Thanks Martin. Never ceases to amaze how your videos start debate. Some knowlegeable people on here.

[@MartinZero]

Thank you, yes some good info

[@tijmenvanderschaar2849]

This channel deserves more subs

[@lacosanostra20]

Facinating history you are very knowledgeable about history

[@TheFilwud]

Hi Martin, from the video you have shown it was impossible to see if those arches were near the bottom or near the top gates, my guess would be that they may have been part of the sluices that let water into the canal from above, to fill the lock, maybe the water path started to collapse and got bricked up, leaving only gate paddles to fill the lock. Something like that, depending on where in the lock it is, could also be a bypass to let water around the lock when the level above the lock is high and water needs to pass the lock to maintain the correct level above ans below the lock. If I remember rightly, last time I was on the Rochdale, it was one of the few canals which didn't seem to have bypasses to let excess water around the locks, instead the excess water just poured over the top of the lock gates, unusual and making locking hard work because the excess water made opening lock gates harder.

[@MartinZero]

Hi Phil the arches were in the side wall of the lock. Its probably something simple we are just missing, like you say 👍

[@TheFilwud]

@@MartinZero Hi, many locks have paddle gear set in the bank, with an inlet below the surface just above the lock and some sort of outlet within the lock, possibly one of those arches, if that failed they might replace it with paddles on the gates, problem with gate paddles is the water pouring into the lock, the paddles in the bank let the water into the lock below the water surface, so no chance of flooding the boats. The bypass channels let water past the lock to reduce the level above the lock and keep the canal below the lock filled, sometimes an open channel, sometimes a buried water channel which pours back into the canal below the lock, the entrance to the channel would be at the level they want the canal to be filled to, below the lock it can pour out of an arch or similar. Culvert, that's a good word, yes, culverts are often used!

[@johngoy9375]

Nice one Martin - brilliant as ever. See you in the next video 👌

[@MartinZero]

See you soon John 👍

[@brizeys3128]

Was at this open day Martin...very interesting. Love your enthusiasm for the subjects that you cover keep it up.

[@MartinZero]

Yes Brian it was an open weekend

[@grahamtanner559]

First time I've ever seen the bottom of a lock close up cheers Martin.

[@MartinZero]

Cheers Graham, thats an unusual Lock

[@ryansleftboot]

Martin, thank you again for continuing to show our history and progress. I remember when Castlefield was still a war zone in the 1990's! Top man. Top one. Nice one. Get sorted!

[@MartinZero]

Unfortunately I never went there in the 90's Wish I had now

[@georgeedwardscott7159]

Another interesting vid Martin, those arches are interesting.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks George. yes Arches in the side of a Lock ?

[@georgeedwardscott7159]

@@MartinZero yeah those.

[@clareriley]

Love it. Off to watch Tib x

[@welshmanjasonpatrick8607]

Very interesting about canal and past thank you

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Jason