Summary
A circular spill-weir, of the well-fall type, probably dating from the 1770s.
Reasons for Designation
The circular spill weir in the grounds of Bridge House, built in the 1770s as an overflow weir for the Stroudwater Navigation, is designated at Grade II, for the following principal reasons:
Technological interest: as a relatively rare circular spill-weir of a type which is uncommon nationally
Historic interest: as it helps to describe the functioning of the C18 Stroudwater Navigation
Group value: with the other similar spill-weir some 130m to the west
History
The Stroudwater Navigation, built in 1775-9, was designed to link the River Severn at Framilode to Stroud, allowing coal to be brought from Shropshire, Staffordshire and the Forest of Dean to the textile mills of the Stroud valleys. The Thames and Severn Canal, constructed in 1783-9, was designed to run eastwards from Stroud, eventually linking the River Severn to the River Thames at Inglesham, near Lechlade. The Cotswold Canals, as they are also known, were generally successful, though the Thames and Severn in particular suffered serious technical failings which compromised its profitability; despite this, both canals continued in use well into the C20.
Details
The weir is constructed from brick and ashlar limestone. It has an outer trough fed by rectangular openings, with a central, brick and ashlar-lined cylinder. The outer wall is capped by a course of bricks laid in a header bond.
Sources
Books and journals
Legal
This building is listed under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 as amended for its special architectural or historic interest.
End of official list entry
