Hazlehurst Aqueduct

Hazlehurst Aqueduct is an aqueduct dated 1841, constructed from painted brickwork with stone dressings. It features a single round arch that includes the towpath, adorned with several bands along the extrados and inset spandrel panels. At the center of the panels is an inscribed plaque that reads: "HAZLEHURST/AQUEDUCT/1841". Above the arch, there is a parapet supported by corbels; the sides of the parapet and the main face curve and taper down to piers that support the embankment of the upper Leek Branch canal. The Leek Branch of the Caldon Canal was opened around 1801, designed by engineer John Rennie. The Caldon Canal, which the aqueduct crosses, was opened around 1779. Initial surveys for the main canal were conducted in 1772 by James Brindley, but after his death, the project was completed under Rennie's direction. The Leek Branch was constructed to transport cheaper coal to Leek, while the main canal was used to carry limestone from Caldon Low to the Potteries.