Where is the James Bridge Aqueduct?

The James Bridge Aqueduct is on the Walsall Canal at Bentley Mill Way, Walsall, WS2 0BP

 

In brief

The aqueduct was opened in 1797 to carry the Walsall Canal over what was then called Bentley Mill Lane, and formerly over the River Tame. It was built of brick with sandstone keystones. It has two round arches with abutments curved on a plan. The south side was party rebuilt in 19th century brick. On the south side is a cast iron plate that reads MDCCXCVII, James Bridge Aqueduct.

James Bridge Aqueduct, Walsall Canal (April 2023). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

James Bridge Aqueduct - history

The Walsall Canal, part of the Birmingham Canal Navigations was built in four stages between 1785 and 1798.

The James Bridge Aqueduct was built over what was then called Bentley Mill Lane (now Bentley Mill Way) in 1797.

James Bridge Aqueduct, Walsall Canal (October 2018). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

On the south side of the aqueduct is a cast iron plate reading 'MDCCXCVII JAMES BRIDGE AQUEDUCT'.

James Bridge Aqueduct, Walsall Canal (April 2023). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

The aqueduct was made of brick with sandstone keystones, with two round arches with abutments curved on a plan.

One archway is for road traffic, and now the other archway is for pedestrians and cyclists.

James Bridge Aqueduct, Walsall Canal (April 2023). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Both sides of the aqueduct have name plates reading James Bridge Aqueduct, this one on the north side of the Walsall Canal.

James Bridge Aqueduct, Walsall Canal (April 2023). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

This James Bridge Aqueduct name plate faces down to Bentley Mill Way.

James Bridge Aqueduct, Walsall Canal (April 2023). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

The towpath exit from the James Bridge Aqueduct on the Walsall Canal is via these steps down to Bentley Mill Way. 

To the left is the River Tame, and if you walk further on you get to a road named James Bridge.

James Bridge Aqueduct, Walsall Canal (April 2023). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

The aqueduct was given Grade II listing status in July 1986.

James Bridge Aqueduct, Walsall Canal (April 2023). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Beyond the aqueduct is the former site of Showcase Cinemas, and Boundary Mill Stores.

Close to Boundary Mill is a section of road called Bentley Mill Lane (a private cul-de-sac now).