The Gower Branch Canal is a half-mile canal at Tividale in England, linking Albion Junction on the Birmingham Level (453 feet above sea) of the Birmingham Canal Navigations, and Brades Hall Junction (sometimes written Bradeshall JunctionThis alternative is found only in the guides edited by David Perrott and published by Nicholson.) on the BCN's older Wolverhampton (473 ft) level, via three locks, the Brades Locks, at the Southern, Brades Hall end.
It has a towpath on its eastern side and is crossed by only one road, the A457, just north of the middle lock. The branch is suitable for narrowboats of up to 70 foot length and 7 foot beam.
It facilitated travel between the Netherton Tunnel Branch Canal and the BCN Old Main Line, without the need for a long detour to Tipton or Smethwick and back.
History
The branch was authorised by the Birmingham Canal Navigation Act 1768 (8 Geo. 3. c. 38), but was not completed until 1836.
Features
Photographs
See also
Canals of the United Kingdom History of the British canal system
References
Bibliography
External links
Jim Shead - Gower Branch Jim Shead - Gower Branch History