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Last additions - Attractions and Features

Roman BridgeA hand-coloured scene of visitors to Roman Bridge. Provided by Janet Holmes. May 22, 2020

Hyde Bank TunnelA boat emerging from Hyde Bank Tunnel. Provided by Janet Holmes. May 22, 2020

Queen's Hotel at Marple AqueductA close-up of the Queen's Hotel next to Marple Aqueduct, bypassed once the railways came to Marple. Provided by Janet Holmes. May 22, 2020

Marple Aqueduct and ViaductMarple Aqueduct and Viaduct with the Queen's Hotel in view. A close-up of the hotel is included too. Provided by Janet Holmes. May 22, 2020

Roman LakesHand-coloured card showing boaters on Roman Lakes. Provided by Janet Holmes.May 22, 2020

Roman BridgeA classic shot of Roman Bridge in the autumn. Provided by Janet Holmes.Apr 02, 2020

Roman LakesA hand-coloured postcard of boating at Roman Lakes provided by Janet Holmes.Apr 02, 2020

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Canals and LocksThe Peak Forest Canal running through Marple was constructed between 1794 and 1805. The upper section to Bugsworth was complete in 1796 and the lower section to Ashton, including the Grand Aqueduct, was finished in 1800. The locks themselves were not finished until 1804, so a tramway was used to connect the two sections. Click here to read more about the history of the canals.

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Marple Aqueduct (& Viaduct)

This album features the Grand Marple Aqueduct, which took seven years to build. Finished in 1800, it came close to ruin in the 1960s but is now a Grade I listed national treasure, and a scheduled ancient monument. Click here to read more about Marple Aqueduct.

100 files, last one added on May 22, 2020
Album viewed 5286 times

The Canals and Locks

Marple's Canal and Locks were unnavigable in the 1960s but thanks to the campaigning and determination of the Peak Forest Canal Society they were eventually dredged and rebuilt. Today they are part of the beautiful Cheshire Ring and Marple's greatest tourist asset. Click here fro a Virtual Tour of Marple Locks.

366 files, last one added on May 22, 2020
Album viewed 6582 times

2 albums on 1 page(s)

Roman LakesThe 'Roman Lakes' are not Roman at all but were christened this in Victorian times when they were a huge tourist attraction bringing enormous crowds to Marple, especially on Bank Holidays. The lakes were actually the mill ponds constructed for Oldknow's Mellor Mill in 1790, and although still popular, things are much quieter today. Click here to read more about visitors to Marple in Victorian times.

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Roman Bridge

Possibly Marple's most popular setting of all, the Roman Bridge features on numerous postcards both old and modern. We've made a point of collecting as many as we can and there will soon be further additions to this album.

67 files, last one added on May 22, 2020
Album viewed 966 times

Roman Lakes and Surrounds

The canal and then the Railways bought floods of people seeking fresh air and the tranquil beauty of Marple's 'Roman Lakes'. It was not unusal for thousands of visitors to arrive on Bank Holiday weekends, all in their Sunday best!

156 files, last one added on May 22, 2020
Album viewed 2345 times

2 albums on 1 page(s)

Most viewed - Attractions and Features

Roman Bridge2522 viewsA young gentleman poses for the camera at Roman Bridge.

Aqueduct House2459 viewsA sepia shot of Aqueduct House.
From Marple Local History Society Archives.

By the Roman Bridge2382 viewsA hand coloured postcard of the approach to Roman Bridge, c1910.

Mineral Mill1948 viewsThe ruins of the Mineral Mill, part of the Lime Kilns complex on the Peak Forest Canal.
Updated from Marple Local History Society Archives 1 May 2010.

Roman Bridge1930 viewsThree chaps strike a pose on the Roman Bridge.

Jinks' Boatyard1865 viewsWorkers at Jinks' Boatyard pose for a photo with great reflections.
From Marple Local History Society Archives.

Lock No. 11 19781696 viewsLock 11, from the Marple Civic Society Archives, dated 1978.

Roman Bridge1270 viewsA group on a day trip pose for a photograph on Roman Bridge.

Random files - Attractions and Features

Bottom Lock HouseBottom Lock Houseabove Lock 1 was originally the Wharfinger's House. This was a job similar to a Station Master on the Railways. New copy from Marple Local History Society Archives 18 April 2010.

Land for SaleTwo boys sat on a fence, probablyt Roman Lakes area, from a glass slide provided by Alan McDowell. The sign says: "This Valuable Building Land To be Sold (on?) Chief Rent. For Plans & Particulars Apply to E. Furness Strawberry Hill, Near Marple. The Branch Office St Martins Rd. Marple". Thought to be early to mid 1920s.

Plucks BridgeGreat reflections at Plucks Bridge, from Marple Local History Society Archives.

Canal and River Trust Open DayThe Canal and River Trust with the Oldknow Legacy Project held an Open Day on Saturday 23 January 2017. By Arthur Procter.

Marple Aqueduct 1967Marple Aqueduct taken from the Viaduct in November 1967. From Marple Local History Society Archives.

Aqueduct Refurbishment 2012-02-10De-vegetation of Marple Aqueduct begins on 10 February 2012. By Arthur Procter.

Weir and ViaductA hand coloured postcard of the Weir and Viaduct at Roman Lakes postmarked 1909.

Bottom LockA view of Bottom Lock with Aqueduct House in the background.

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A Virtual History Tour of Marple and District

With The Marple Website and Marple Local History Society