Why is Barton Swing Aqueduct?

[@cfc1907]

Excellent piece. I have been crossing the road swing bridge since I used to visit my relatives in Eccles, in the 1950s. A very long time. I didn't really know much about the swing aqueduct, so many thanks.

[@Wickedacorn]

glad you enjoyed it

[@hilaryolson4472]

My Grandfather James E Thompson used to operate this Swing Bridge in Barton. I have A few old pictures of his time there. There is a interesting story he used to tell about he night he was working and a ship hit the island.. Every time we used to pass it as child into adulthood I always commented to anyone who would listen that my Grandfather worked there I was proud

[@Wickedacorn]

So you should be.

[@Anna-pu7hx]

Live down the road from this and always wondered about it, great video thanks!

[@Wickedacorn]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ttystikkrocks1042]

Well that was fun! I guess I wanted to learn more nerd stuff, like how it doesn't leak!

[@Wickedacorn]

There's a diagram in the video that I didn't fully explain. The aqueduct is sort of wedge-shaped. Another purpose of the hydraulics is to raise that wedge shape up so it can rotate. When the wedge shape is dropped back down into place, it makes a better seal. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@DavE-bh8lz]

Hi Paul. Thanks for another interesting and well made video. I have taken a walk around the area a couple of times myself. Well worth a visit.

[@Wickedacorn]

thank you

[@arcticminky]

I was there tonight (19:30) and saw a gentleman coming out of the gated area. As kids we used to climb up on the old aqueduct wall up onto what was known as 'Tramps Hills', I don't know why it was called that.

[@Wickedacorn]

you'll be happy to know that a group of kids climbed up it while I was there. I wonder if they know it by the same name?

[@WickedWookey]

Great video of an awesome construction.

[@Wickedacorn]

Thank you very much!

[@bhmacdonald]

I walk my dogs round the Davyhulme Nature Reserve in Flixton and have wandered up to the aqueduct but is so sad as so much is fenced off. There is also the Hulme Ferry which is a small free ferry across the Ship Canal that Peel have to provide due to an ancient act of parliament. Also in Flixton there is the Irlam Locks crossing that joins Flixton to Irlam that I just found out about. The locks are huge and industrial but just sat there looking impressive fenced off and virtually invisible. Such a shame as hugely significant to cultural heritage and all could be made into entertaining educational attractions perfect for a day out. And where are all the boats? Loved your video. Thanks for making it and sharing.

[@Kenners.]

Great vid, walked, drove over, and narrow boated over both bridges, but not at the same time :)

[@Wickedacorn]

that would be something

[@kawasaki5187]

Thanks, shared to FaceBook

[@Wickedacorn]

Awesome thank you!

[@keithtanner2806]

There were/are 2 more swing bridges over the Ship canal nearby, the road bridge at Trafford Rd and a rail bridge adjacent to it which was moved into the Salford Quays Development where it serves as a footbridge.

[@wladniem]

interesting video, cheers Paul

[@Wickedacorn]

Thanks 👍

[@paylnyles]

Amazing video Love it x.

[@Wickedacorn]

Thank you so much!

[@mariawelsh9485]

Really interesting

[@Wickedacorn]

thanks

[@davidioanhedges]

A Swing Bridge Aqueduct is odd ... A hydraulically powered swing bridge aqueduct still sounds modern ... ...that they assumed the barges would be horse drawn ... !!!

[@Wickedacorn]

The world was/is changing fast

[@chuckster007a]

I live nearby this lovely bridge and drive over the road bridge a lot, its a pity that the company that owns the whole canal "Peel Green Holdings" does not take care of these two lovely bridges, the road bridge is full of pot holes, the paint peeling off, same goes for the canal swing bridge. for the past few days the canal swing bridge is being treated for something and its was swung sideways so no boats could use it, and just yesterday a body was found near it from a missing person :(

[@Wickedacorn]

When you look back through old photos, you can see how often and well they were maintained.