Salmon Coops To South Of Corby Castle

WETHERAL GREAT CORBY NY 45 SE

9/145 Salmon coops to South of Corby Castle (formerly listed under Byre Hill Farm)

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Salmon coops. C12, with later repairs, for Wetheral Priory. Structure similar to that of a bridge with 3 splayed cutwater piers of dressed red sandstone and 2 abutments built into the bed and bank of the River Eden, between the east bank and Monk's Island, where the river flows in 2 channels (it is thought that the monks. created the east channel especially to catch salmon, although it could be a natural feature). Between the piers and abutments are a series of wooden pans and sluice-gates, intended for catching salmon going upstream to spawn, which can be cleared by means of trap-doors above; and a cat-walk extending over the piers as a bridge. It is difficult to date any part of this structure, but it could well retain features of a C12 date: documents relating to the Priory include references to the necessary Royal licenses, requires for the strict control of such a structure. After the dissolution, the coops passed to the Howard family of Corby Castle, who still own them and use them occasionally. There is a wooden crane on the bank, which was probably intended for lifting the pens in and out of the water. Illustrated; Country Life, 7 January 1954, p.34.

Listing NGR: NY4685453687