Lancaster Canal Lune Aqueduct

The Lune Aqueduct is one of the most out-standing features of the Lancaster Canal, often being referred to as a masterpiece of civil engineering. It carries the canal 664 ft (202.4m) across the River Lune at a height of 61 ft (18.6m).

MATERIALS: Constructed of squared rock-faced sandstone blocks and sandstone ashlar.

PLAN: The aqueduct consists of five semi-circular stone arches supporting a stone trough, separated by panelled buttresses above triangular cutwaters. The supporting piers rest on piles of specially imported Russian timbers driven deep into the bed of the river. The parapet has 3 balustraded openings over each arch.

The piers themselves were of hollow construction, built in stone and strengthened by iron bars. When completed, the hollow centres were filled in with rubble. Huge coffer dams held back the river and the water was pumped out using primitive steam engines. Wooden scaffolding was used to support the structure of wedge shaped stones. These formed the masonry arches until each of the final keystones was in place.

The trough carrying the 20 ft (6.0m) wide canal over the aqueduct is semi-circular, and is now concrete, but was originally lined with stone. Its curving side walls were 18 ins (46cm) thick and the bottom was 1 ft (30cm) deep with 3 ft (90cm) of puddled clay to make it watertight. The bottom of the channel contains a plug which could apparently be pulled to allow the aqueduct to be drained into the river to allow repairs to be undertaken.

SUBSIDIARY FEATURES: The west side the central arch has a keystone carved to represent Lancaster Castle Gateway, and includes a latin inscription which translates as "Old needs are served, far distant sites combined. Rivers by art to bring new wealth are joined”. This is followed the names and dates of the designer and architect: 'QUAE DEERANT ADEUNT: SOCIANTUR DISSITA: MERCES FLUMINA CONVENIUNT ARTE DATURA NOVAS. A.D. MDCCXCVII. ING. I. RENNIE EXTRUX. A. STEVENS. P. ET F.'

On the east side in the same place is the inscription 'TO PUBLIC PROSPERITY.' Below the parapet is a Doric entablature having a strongly projecting cornice.