and Redbridge, where it joins the Andover Canal, being completed. It was to branch from the Andover Canal at Mitchelmersh, and passing through the parishes of Mattisfont, Lockerley, West Dean, East Dean, East Grinstead, West Grinstead, Alderbury, Peter's Finger, Laverstock and Milford, to proceed to the Avon River at Salisbury.
That part of the canal between Salisbury and the Andover Canal was excavated, but in consequence of meeting with an extensive quick-sand, it would not hold water, and was therefore abandoned. The projectors of this work contemplated supplying the interior with fuel at a cheaper rate, and of transmitting, in return, the agricultural produce of that part of Wiltshire to the sea coast.
SANKEY BROOK NAVIGATION.
28 George II. Cap. 8, Royal Assent 20th March, 1755.
2 George III. Cap. 56, Royal Assent 8th April, 1762
11 George IV. Cap. 50, Royal Assent 29th May, 1830.
THIS canal, which was the first executed in the country, commenced in the River Mersey, at the mouth of Sankey Brook, from which it derives its name as well as its supply of water; the brook serving as a feeder to the canal. Running northerly in a circuitous route and alongside the Sankey Brook, it passes Sankey Bridge; then bending to the north-west, it passes Winwick Hail, and leaving Newton Park on the north, proceeds to Gerrard's Bridge and St. Helen's, where it terminates.
The first act of parliament respecting this navigation was obtained in 1755, and is entitled, 'An Act for making navigable the River or Brook called Sankey Brook, and Three several Branches thereof from the River Mersey below Sankey Bridges, up to Boardman's Stone Bridge on the South Branch, to Gerrard's Bridge on the Middle Branch, and to Penny Bridge on the North Branch, all in the county palatine of Lancaster.' By this act was authorized the collecting of the following
TONNAGE RATE.
| For all Coal, Stone, Slate, Timber and all other Goods and Merchandize | 10d per Ton. |
Sixty-three Cubic Feet of Coal, Cannel Coal, Charcoal, Coke and Cinders; Fifty Cubic Feet of Fir, Poplar, Alder Wood. Withy or Willow; Forty Cubic Feet of Oak, Ash or any other Timber, to be rated as a Ton.
