Description and History of Site:-
Tunnel of 1796 by Robert Whitworth, engineer. The North portal in dressed stone. This tunnel is the summit level of the Leeds and Liverpool canal. Nearby there are four reservoirs constructed by the Canal Company to maintain a supply of water.

Begun in early 1791, most of the (approximately) mile long tunnel had to be constructed using the 'cut-and-cover' method due to the loose ground encountered. Less than one half of the overall length was constructed by true tunnelling through solid rock. Although the canal itself had been built and opened as far as Foulridge Wharf by mid 1794, the tunnel itself only opened in May 1796 permitting navigation as far as Burnley.

Two of the reservoirs, Foulridge (Lower) and Slipper Hill were part of the original plans, and built in 1796; subsequently the need for further water supplies led to the construction of White Moor (1840) and Foulridge Upper (1865).

Ashmore (1982): 'Longest canal tunnel in Lancashire, built by Robert Whitworth 1792-96, 1,640 yd (1,500 m) long, 17 ft (5.2 m) wide at water level, 8 ft (2.4 m) high, no towpath. Considerable difficulties in construction: there were later collapses in 1824 and 1843. To north-east is Foulridge Wharf, with stone quay, two-storey, three-bay, stone-built warehouse, central arched opening with loading openings above, three-light mullioned windows, metal base of crane at north end. To north-east, steel-girder railway bridge on timber piers.'

Further Reading and References:-
Ashmore, Owen. 'The Industrial Archaeology of North-West England and Where to Find It'. 1982

http://www.mikeclarke.myzen.co.uk/Foulridge%20to%20Burnley.pdf

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Key Words :- canal navigation tunnel

Viewing the Site :- Portals visible from canal towpaths

Address :- Warehouse Lane, Foulridge, Colne, Lancashire, BB8 7PP
Grid Ref :- SD 88753 42449
Co-ordinates :- Lat 53.878114 , Long -2.172561
Local Authority :- Pendle Borough Council
Site Status :- Listed - Grade II
Historic England List No - 1073395,
Site Condition :- Operational site, in use for original purpose
Site Dates :- 1796 -
Contributor :- Nick Nelson - 3 February 2020

Copyright :- cc-by-nc-sa 4.0 © Nick Nelson