Louth canal above Tetney Lock, Lincolnshire England UK
The Louth Navigation was a canalisation of the River Lud, running for 11 miles from Louth to Tetney Haven on the southern edge of the Humber. It was authorised by Act of Parliament in 1763 and completed in 1770, under the engineer John Grundy Jr. and then by James Hogard. Eight locks were required to overcome the difference in altitude, six of which were constructed with sides consisting of four elliptical bays, a design only ever used on this canal in Britain. The Act did not provide the normal provisions for raising capital for the construction, as finance could only be obtained by leasing of the tolls. When completed, the commissioners leased the tolls to Charles Chaplin, who held ten shares and was also a commissioner, for an initial period of seven years. When the lease was due for renewal, no other takers were found, and Chaplin was granted a 99-year lease, despite the fact that the Act did not authorise such an action. He collected the tolls but failed to maintain the navigation. When complaints were made, a new Act of Parliament was obtained in 1828, to alter the tolls and legalise Chaplin's long lease. The lease was transferred to two railway companies in 1847, and reverted to the commissioners in 1876. The operation was a moderate success until the early 20th century, when there was a rapid decline in income, and the canal formally closed in 1924. Because the canal was also a land drain, it was not infilled and is now a designated main river, managed by the Environment Agency, the drainage managed by the Lindsey Marsh Internal Drainage Board.
Size: 4288px × 2848px
Photo credit: © John Worrall / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: 1770, angling, bucolic, canal, drain, drainage, fishing, haven, humber, land, lincolnshire, lock, louth, lud, navigation, north, peaceful, river, rural, sea, tetney, trust, winter
