Different stretches of the Leeds-Liverpool Canal have different 'flavours'. Situated about four miles east from Saltaire, the area around Dobson's Lock in Apperley Bridge is open, with far-reaching views.
Dobson's Lock, a two-rise staircase lock, was a hub of activity in the early 1800s, with warehouses to hold the merchandise being transported on the canal, a workshop that made lock gates and swing bridges, and a blacksmith to shoe the horses that pulled the barges. There's also a sweet little row of cottages, presumably built to house the blacksmith and other workers.
In the thin winter sunshine, there were few people around to disturb the peace, though several swans seem to have this area as their base.
The Leeds to Skipton railway passes over the canal nearby. There's some graffiti on the bridge that begins to look quite historic from today's perspective. It was 1990 when the much hated Poll Tax was introduced by Thatcher's government. It was a per capita Community Charge to replace the previous 'rates', which were a levy on property. Quite a few folk decided to 'Pay No Poll Tax' and there were widespread riots, which led to its repeal in favour of Council Tax (again a levy on property value) in 1993.
Very peaceful.
ReplyDeleteIdyllic, except for the PAY NO POLL TAX reminder of reality. Great photos!
ReplyDeleteSo many pretty spots along the canal.
ReplyDeleteAside from the graffiti, quite idyllic.
ReplyDeleteMy Carlisle-Settle to Leeds train passed over this very bridge yesterday. Like a connoisseur of 60 years absence I savoured my long walk through Leeds City centre which looks smart and clean. My hot fish-and-chips in Kirkgate covered market tasted smashing. Yorkshire folk are as kind and helpful as ever and the well-known local dialect were great, like music in my ears!
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