Shropshire Union Canal Aqueduct Over Watling Street

The Shropshire Union Canal Aqueduct over Watling Street, built in 1832, is an important structure designed by engineer Thomas Telford. It features a cast iron box girder span supported by blue brick abutments with stone dressings. Below the girders is a single segmental arch, which leads to concave abutments adorned with a roll moulded stone string at the springing level. Engaged stone columns flank the arch, rising above a corbelled stone coping along the towpath, topped with ornamental cast iron parapet railings and slightly domed cappings. A cast inscription on the central panel of the beam reads "Birmingham and Liverpool Canal Thos. Telford F.R.S.I, and E. Engineer 1832." In the 20th century, a blue brick plinth was added to facilitate the lowering of the carriageway.