Weaver information page
Map 1 Arial Dutton Map 2
Map 1 shows the area around Dutton before the locks were built
HISTORY OF THE WEAVER NAVIGATION
Roman Era Brine Springs on the bank of the Weaver were used to supply salt.
Medieval Times The River was occasionally used in times of flood by small vessels sometimes carrying salt
1663-1721 Several attempts made to gain an Act of Parliament to canalise the River but failed due to various objections from local
landowners and some Liverpool merchants.
1721 Some Cheshire gentlemen gained the first Act of Parliament to canalise the River to a depth not exceeding 4'6".
1732 9322 tons of rock salt, 5202 tons of white salt carried on the River.
1735 Eleven locks between Winsford and Pickerings o'th Boat (Dutton) constructed. 35 ton flats could sail up the River
1763 Locks built at Frodsham enabling the Navigation of the River in all states of the tide.
1779 First Towpath made allowing boats to be hauled be Horses rather than men.
1778 Wider locks constructed for larger vessels.
1801 Anderton Depot built to tranship salt from canal narrow boats on the Trent and Mersey canal.
1807 Weston Canal built to Weston Point avoiding dangerous waters at Frodsham.
1826 Northwich Navigation offices built.
1830 Depth increase to 7' 6", locks 88' long and 18' wide, enabling cargoes of 150 tons to be carried on the River.
1860-1870 Hunts and Vale Royal locks were doubled with a lock 100' by 22'. The River was 9' deep carrying loads of 250-300 tons per ship.
1872 Anderton Lift authorised.
1874-1889 Extensive work carried out to speed up traffic on the River. Large locks at Dutton and Saltersford replaced four smaller locks.
Hunts and Vale Royal locks were improved to 42' wide replacing the need for smaller locks between Northwich and Winsford.
Vessels drawing 10' 6" could now use the River.
1877 One million tons of cargo, mainly salt, carried on the River.
1880 115496 tons of rock salt, 1087214 tons of white salt carried.
1885 Manchester Ship canal authorised to cross the river's mouth.
1893 Northwich Town bridge replaced by an electric swing bridge-the first in the world.
1908 Anderton altered and converted to an electric operation.
1909 Winnington bridge converted to electricity.
1948 Weaver Navigation nationalised after 227 successful years.
1964 Improvements allowing 604 ton loads in 188' long ships to navigate to Anderton depot. Formation of Acton Bridge Cruising Club.
Northwich Rowing Club, Weaver Motor Boat Club, increasing use of the river for cruising.
1982 Anderton Boat Lift closed needing substantial repair work.
1986 Formation of the Anderton Boat Lift development Group.
1987 Anderton Depot sold off.
1988 Creation of the Weaver valley Way.
Parliamentary Bill
Old River Weaver Frodsham
