Marple Aqueduct

Marple Aqueduct (also known as Goyt Aqueduct) at Marple, Greater Manchester, England, was built to carry the lower level of the Peak Forest Canal across the River Goyt (treated as part of the River Mersey until 1896). It is the highest canal aqueduct in England. Construction started in 1795, and it was in use by 1800. A contractor employed to build the main canal suggested that the stone arches be replaced by iron troughs, and this idea was almost adopted, but when he left, the original idea of stone arches was adopted. Some repairs were made to the aqueduct in 1860 and 1912, following damage caused by water leaking through the clay puddling used to seal the channel and then freezing. In early 1962, part of the side wall collapsed, again caused by leaks freezing. British Waterways wanted to demolish the structure as a cheaper solution than repairing it, but Cheshire County Council contributed towards the cost of repairs in a move that paved the way for the restoration of the Peak Forest Canal. As part of the process, it became a scheduled monument, and subsequently a grade I listed structure. During the 21st century, grants enabled several projects to be undertaken to enhance the aqueduct and its surroundings. It had become obscured by tree growth in the valley of the River Goyt, and some of the trees were cut back so the structure could be seen again. Vegetation growing out of the structure was removed, and the stonework repointed. A metal parapet was designed and fitted to the north side of the aqueduct, where previously a low wall had offered very little protection against falling from the structure.