Sepia (albumen print)

Acc.no: PEZPH : 2016.50.1249

Identification

Item: The Marhamchurch Incline, near Bude.

Description: A photograph of the Marhamchurch Incline, near Bude, which was the first of the inclined planes on the Bude Canal, with the ruin of the waterwheel at the head of the incline and row of four tub boats fitted with wheels, in the foreground. The Bude Canal was constructed between 1819 and 1825. Its main purpose was to carry sea sand inland to improve the acidic soil. The hilly area was unsuitable for canal locks, instead six inclined planes were built. The tub boats were fitted with wheels to run up the inclined planes, five of which were powered by water wheels and the Hobbacott Incline by a bucket full of water descending a shaft. The canal traded between 1825 and 1891. The water supply came from the Tamar Lake. The Canal reached near Launceston with another branch towards Holsworthy (see attached map). It was subsequently used for Bude's water supply.

Condition: Good

Description

Material: Photographic paper

Production

Method: Printed

Category: Photography

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