Commemorative day celebrates 250 years since James Brindley opened Aldersley Junction
The historic moment James Brindley opened Aldersley Canal Junction 250 years ago has been re-enacted.
The Canal and River Trust held a commemoration to mark the momentous day when the Birmingham Canal joined the Shropshire and Worcestershire Canal, helping the Black Country become the fulcrum of the Industrial Revolution.
Members of the Tettenhall Transport Heritage Centre dressed up as industrialists James Brindley, Sir Edward Littleton and John Bakers five years after they re-enacted the first beginning of construction starting at Compton Lock.
Heritage boats descended on the junction on Saturday and there was a puppet-making workshop, Rose and Castle workshop, boat trips with Wildside Activity Centre, paddling and several studies.
A spokesman for the trust said: "Aldersley Junction has a rich history;250 years ago the Birmingham Canal at Aldersley Junction was completed. It was also time to celebrate James Brindley as we approach the 250th anniversary of his death."
Peter Stant, from Tettenhall Transport Heritage Centre, played James Brindley during the event.
He said: "It's precisely 250 years since the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal began carrying goods. Sir Edward Littleton the investor, James Brindley, the canal builder, and John Baker, clerk of works, were on hand to set things going. It was a great day."
