Northwich’s historic Anderton Boat Lift was featured on BBC1’s Country Tracks yesterday (6 December) – presenter Ben Fogle enjoyed a boat trip through the lift. He also visited the Winsford Rock Salt Mine and witnessed the giant salt mining machine at work, and talked to the salt mine workers. Do catch the repeat or watch it on i-Player if you missed the programme.The repeal of salt duties in 1825 boosted Winsford’s fortunes as a salt producer, and after 1840, the town began to overtake Northwich in terms of salt production. Another reason why Winsford grew at Northwich’s expense was the ever-growing problem with subsidence in the latter town. You can find out more about the story o
f Cheshire salt-making and the salt workers in Regency Cheshire.Images: Anderton Boat Lift photo © Sue Wilkes.
Marston rock salt pit, engraving from Illustrated London News, 24 August 1850.
Lovely photo, the lift looks fascinating!
ReplyDeleteHi Val, glad you liked it! The boat lift is an amazing structure -you can't really appreciate just how high it is (over 50ft) unless you can see it in person. The lift was used to transfer boats and their cargoes between the Trent and Mersey Canal and Weaver Navigation.
ReplyDelete