One Street - Signs of the Past

Up until the middle of the 19th century the barges were powered by horses. Steam powered barges were then introduced and they were not very popular with local residents because of the dense smoke they produced and a lot of unnecessary whistling.

When two horse drawn barges traveling in opposite directions approached one another there was a code as who should give way. But as you can imagine both would be reluctant to lose momentum and give way to the other. The recognised method was for the boat giving way to let his tow line go slack. The ropes being made of cotton, which is denser than water, would sink allowing the second horse to step over it while the second boat floated over it. Then both boats would carry on their way.

If you look closely at the bridge you can see grooves which have been cut into the stone work by towing lines rubbing up against them.

We decided to walk up to Grappenhall Heys walled garden and have tea and cake in the little tearoom there. When we arrived we found to our great disappointment that it is closed at the moment. Undaunted we walked back home. I went out for a quick cycle along One Street. When I arrived home the wonderful NM had baked a super sponge cake. How good is that!

More shots from One Street and Grappenhall Heys.