Church on a Monday?

There was a very little bit of slight rain, so short that the ground didn't really get wet this morning but we didn't leave until near to 1000 and not a drop after that. It was nice and still and the sun really did try to show her self later in the day. A nice autumnal day on the cut, despite the leaves been on the trees and only just turning colours.

This bridge looked a bit different from the ones we had seen previously on the canal. The plaque on the parapet says ''Dallam Forge, Warrington'. The forge was started in 1840 and in 1851 was awarded a Gold Medal at the Great Exhibition in 1851 for excellence of iron and railway plant. They were later known for building steam cranes and also had mining interests. In 1930 they were taken over by the Lancashire Steel Co,

Behind the trees is the M65 but despite that this mooring was lovely with a view across the valley to the right. The chap had his cat on a lead. Our Macy doesn't seem interested in leaving the boat at all unless the sun is shining and it is warm! Not sure where she gets that from Helen!

This crow on a post seemed to fit the mood with the mist and dull day we were having.

The hills were just emerging from the mist and giving us distant views as we meandered round the valley heads.

The Smith'sswing bridge seems to be left open now but it must have been quite busy when the Altham Vitriol Works was working. Vitriol is another word form sulphate so the chemical works must have used the products of near by Moorfields Coal Mine.

Just by Smith's swing bridge is this building. It doesn't look like a house as there are no windows in the sides. However these large 'windows' at front and back seem to be cargo loading doors as in a warehouse. To argue against there doesn't seem to be any form of crane or hoist above the 'door'and why would the ground floor one not go down to ground level? Anybody any ideas? Just round the corner is a memorial to the Moorfield Colliery. The shaft was sunk in 1881 and in 1883 there was an explosion underground and 55 men and 13 boys lost their lives. Eric Morecambe was a 'Bevan Boy' down Moorfield in WWII. It closed in 1948 but the coke works next door continued until 1962.

This sign was erected in 2001 to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the opening of the canal to Clayton le Moors from Burnley in 1801

The sun was really trying to shine and was managing to heat us up as the air was still.

Enfield was the terminus of the canal between 1801 and 1810 when they ran out of money partly due to the  Napoleonic War. That is one reason a superb set of warehouse were built her. The earliest was built in 1801 and then added to through until 1888. There were warehouse, stables, a toll house a residence and workshops on both sides of the canal.

I really can't understand why nothing has been done with these buildings as they just ooze appeal and the space must be useful for many purposes.

The warehouse to the east was occupied by the Sea Cadets but is again empty. There is a large open space in front. C&RT or British Waterways had an assessment done and it was pleasing to read they it stated that everything should be retained!!

We are back with a few swing bridges now but Helen likes these as the windlass has to be used to wind up the securing pin. It seems that this system means there is less abuse as they have all swung very easily.

The bridge over the Peel Arm that was built to serve a calico works that was owned by the Peel family of Sir Robert Peel fame. Later there was an idea to extend the arm to Accrington but this didn't go ahead. Along this section the tow path changes sides to run to the east of the canal. This was on the request on Lord Petre of Dunkenhalgh Hall to prevent poachers and trespassers gaining access to his land.

The marker for the half way distance of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.

655/8  miles. It seems a lot further than that

Our mooring close to St. James church in Church. The church is now closed but looks lovely with some very expensive monuments in the church yard. Offers are invited to purchase the building and the interior looks great with some expensive stained glass.