The Giants Basin

The Giant's Basin is a circular weir, likely built in 1765 by James Brindley for the Duke of Bridgewater. It is constructed from coursed squared sandstone. The structure is approximately 10 metres in diameter and features a two-course sloped lip. It was part of a hydraulic system designed to exploit the course of the River Medlock, which was diverted through a culvert running from east of Deansgate at Knott Mill to Potato Wharf. Canal overflow was returned to the river via this weir. The design is simple but of national historical importance. The basin forms a group with the canal basin at Potato Wharf, the Castelfield Railway Viaduct, the culvert arches on New Elm Road, and associated features including the Floodgate on Deansgate.