Drydock

At Buxton Road Wharf on the Macclesfield Canal are some interesting remains that indicate that at one time a lock gate was installed here. Unlike those at Bosley, this gate was a single item of a full seven feet plus in width as can be seen from the recess seen here. At the left of the recess is the quoin and the cut-off remains of the iron straps that held the gate collar. These straps are of an identical design to the few remaining old style straps still in use on the gates at Bosley. At the far left was reason for the gate as this is the entrance to the drydock that the Macclesfield Canal Company built here in the 1830s.

The dock is not shown on any of the maps and plans that I have consulted and must have been taken out of use after only a short life. There is, however, a reference in the proceedings of the Macclesfield Canal Committee.

Dry Dock at Buxton Road Wharf:

Meeting on 10th July 1834 at the Canal Office, Macclesfield.

Mr Hall having laid before the Committee a letter from J P Swanwick & Co. containing an offer to rent a part of the Company’s Wharf north of the Buxton Road, including the partly formed dock at £20 per annum provided the Company complete the said dock, each party to be at liberty on giving 6 months notice; the subject was considered, the rent offered was thought too low, and some difficulties appeared to present themselves with respect to the present lime shed, and the ingress and egress to and from the wharf and also as to the waste of water that might occur if the dock was used to repair unless under proper control; the mode of completing the dock was also discussed. It was thought unnecessary to go to the expense of ashlar coping or of puddling round the dock and that a rubble wall would be sufficient. It was therefore ordered that Mr Watts be requested to undertake the arrangement with Messrs J P Swanwick & Co. with the understanding as to 6 months notice and the letting of water to be under Mr Hall’s control and the rent must be more than £20 per annum, and that he be empowered to arrange with Mr Hall and Mr Nicholls as to the completion of the dock and the expenses attendant thereon.

I wonder if the cheap construction and consequent water loss made it more trouble than it was worth? There is no further mention in subsequent Committee minutes.