Thirlmere Aqueduct Over The River Irwell

The asset was previously listed twice also under List entry 1255297. This entry was removed from the List on 30 October 2017.

SD 80 SW 949-1/3/10009

AGECROFT ROAD

Thirlmere Aqueduct over the River Irwell

II

Water Supply Aqueduct, 1892, constructed for the Manchester Corporation Water Works. Engineers, J F Bateman and G Hill. Cast iron arches, spandrels and parapet balustrading, rising from ashlar and coursed squared gritstone block abutments and intermediate piers. Triple-arched structure, the arched sides with decorative pierced spandrels linked by pierced transverse girders. Above the arches, a broad band of triangular strutting, then a shallow band of similar design and then the arcaded parapet balustrading with moulded handrail. At the centre of the balustrade to the central arch, a plaque bearing the coat of arms of the Manchester Corporation and the inscription 'Manchester Corporation Water Works - 1892'. Intermediate piers with ashlar facings, and carved and domed cutwaters to north-west side. Springing stones for cast-iron arches above, projecting cornice at level of parapet base, and projecting moulded caps. Ashlar-faced abutments with the cornice at the same level as they occur in the piers, ashlar parapet and heavy moulded coping. Aqueduct deck divided into 3 longitudinal bays by intermediate metal strutting, and carrying 2 large-section water supply pipes, and subsidiary piping in third bay. A carefully-proportioned structure designed to harmonise with the adjacent road bridge, and a prominent component of one of the most ambitious of the late-C19 civic water supply projects, designed to supply Manchester with water from the Lake District.

Listing NGR: SD 80676 02038