Canal Breach – October 12 1958

On Sunday October 12 1958 a major breach occurred on the Middlewich Branch Canal between bridges 12 and 13 – at the site locally known as the viewpoint overlooking Church Minshull. At that time it was the largest known canal breach in the UK.

Over a three hour period five miles of water – 2,600,000 gallons – drained into the field and the River Weaver below. Until it was repaired in order to travel between Nantwich and Middlewich – 13 miles – all commercial traffic had to detour via the Trent & Mersey, Staffordshire & Worcestershire and the Shropshire Union canals – 88 miles.

Further details and photos plus British Waterways' report from their December 1958 In House magazine can be found on SUMBA's website's History page.

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Photos courtesy of Brian Charlesworth