Trent And Mersey Canal Bridge Number 136 At Sj 8187 5602

The Trent and Mersey Canal Bridge Number 136 is a canal accommodation bridge located in Church Lawton. The north span of the bridge dates from the early 19th century, while the south span was added around the early 1830s, likely designed by Thomas Telford, coinciding with the duplication of Locks No. 48. The bridge is constructed from brindled brick, featuring stone coping and dressings. The north span includes a towpath, and there is a semi-towpath accommodation at the bottom of the lock steps leading to the south span.

Both spans of the bridge have elliptical arches and are complemented by swept wings that terminate in piers on either side of the canal, with a central pier on the west side. The lower sections of the arch have stone quoins, and the north span features keystones. The south span is adorned with stone quoins, voussoirs, a string course, and a plaque at the crown on both sides. A wooden tow rope roller with cast iron guard plates is present at the central abutment of the south span. The bridge has undergone minor repairs. The Trent and Mersey Canal itself was constructed between 1766 and 1777 by James Brindley and Hugh Henshall, with subsequent alterations made over the years.