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Canal Breach - October 12 1958

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Church Minshull Breach 1958
Church Minshull Breach 1958
Church Minshull Breach 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.

Click To View SUMBA's Website

Photos courtesy of Brian Charlesworth

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