Canal bridge

Today's the day ........................ to explain the hook

This large metal hook was attached to the side of a bridge over the Leeds & Liverpool canal near to one of the Johnson's Hillock locks.

The bridge here has no towpath which would have made towing boats out of the lock difficult for the horses.   The hook was part of the solution to the problem.  The tow line was passed over the hook and the horse was made to walk in the opposite direction back towards the lock.  Once the boat was moving, the line was disconnected and passed under the bridge to be re-attached to the horse which had been brought to the other side.  The horse could then tow the boat in the usual way.

You can see the wear on the hook from the many tow lines which have passed around it ............................