Unlock the hidden history in Apperley Bridge

This weekend, we are offering people the chance to step back in time at our Open Day at Apperley Bridge, on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.

Visitors will be able see behind-the-scenes at the historic site, comprising a smithy and workshops. The heritage buildings are still used by our craftsmen for maintenance work and visitors will be able to see demonstrations of the skills needed to keep the 200 year old canal network in good working order.

The open day on Saturday 20 August, from 10.00am and 4.00pm is a free event. As well as the smithy and workshops, visitors will be able to hear about the history of the canal and find out about some of the exciting volunteering and learning projects taking place and how to get involved.

Tony Entwistle from the Trust said: “Our charity cares for a remarkable network of historic waterways which are working just as they were designed to 200 years ago. Repairing and maintaining these waterways is a painstaking task which requires traditional materials and methods to be used to preserve this vital part of our industrial heritage. This Open Day is a great opportunity to come along to see skilled blacksmiths work the forge and watch modern tradesmen using traditional skills to make items that the canal still needs today.”

Warehouses at Apperley Bridge date back to the early 1800s when they held merchandise that was transported along the 127 miles of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.

The Open Day will be held at Dobson Lock, Apperley Lane, Apperley Bridge, Bradford, between 10am and 4pm. There is a small amount of parking on Apperley Lane. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear.

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