Completed in 1774, the canal ran from the centre of Bradford to a junction with the Leeds and Liverpool at Shipley, a distance of just over 3 miles (5.1km), falling 86 feet (26m) via 10 locks including two double and one triple risers. It was closed and drained in 1867 but re-opened 5 years later with a new terminal basin, 3 furlongs (560m) north of the original one. It was closed in 1922 and since then has been progressively filled in so that now only the 30 metres south of the junction with the Leeds and Liverpool Canal remain. There are plans for restoration.
Original Terminus at Broadstones, Bradford. C1870
Grid Ref: SE 1660 3330 [BD-001-000]. Photo of a watercolour by N.S.Crighton. The building in the centre of the picture has been replaced by the Broadway Shopping Centre. The tower is that of St Peter's Church, now Bradford Cathedral.Original Terminus at Broadstones, Bradford. C1870
Spinkwell locks. 27/07/55
Grid Ref: SE 1641 3447 [BD-002-240]. The chamber of the lower one of the pair (Lock No.2)Spinkwell locks. 27/07/55
Engine House, Spinkwell Locks. 27/07/55
Grid Ref: SE 1641 3447 [BD-002-240]. Picture taken from the rear so the locks would have been behind the building. Notes on the card say 'Sole remaining chimney'. This was one of the pumping stations that the new company was required to build in 1872 to pump water back up the locks as they had lost their original 'illegal' supply from Bradford Beck. The site is now the parking lot of a car showroom. The only remaining pumping station, albeit without its chimney is on the site of the bottom lock at Windhill.Engine House, Spinkwell Locks. 27/07/55
Looking towards Shipley from Kings Road Bridge. 27/07/55
Grid Ref: SE 1637 3457 [BD-002-350]. Originally Tordoff Road Bridge but now levelled. The area in view is now a car parking lot for a car showroom.Looking towards Shipley from Kings Road Bridge. 27/07/55
Oliver's Locks Tail Bridge. 27/07/55
Grid Ref: SE 1592 3522 [BD-003-150]. The bottom gate of the pair (Locks 3 and 4) can be seen through the bridge arch. Their condition appears to be good despite this being 33 years after closure. The building with the advertising hoarding is the pumping station, without its chimney, used to return water to the upper pound. The site is now the entrance and car park for Manningham Saw Mills.Oliver's Locks Tail Bridge. 27/07/55
Oliver's Riser Locks. 27/07/55
Grid Ref: SE 1592 3522 [BD-003-150]. On the left is the pumping station and beyond that, the lock keeper's cottage.Oliver's Riser Locks. 27/07/55
Canal bed between Stanley Road Bridge and Oliver's Locks. 27/07/55.
Looking towards Bradford at about Grid Ref: SE 1578 3556 [BD-003-530]. Most of what is in shot is now the yards for small businesses and a logistics company.Canal bed between Stanley Road Bridge and Oliver's Locks. 27/07/55.
Section between Gaisby Lane and Stanley Road Bridge . 27/07/55
Grid Ref: SE 1563 3585 [BD-003-850]. Used by Oswin Mills as a reservoir but now occupied by houses on Oswin Gardens.Section between Gaisby Lane and Stanley Road Bridge . 27/07/55
Gaisby Lane Bridge, Bolton Woods. 27/07/55.
Grid Ref: SE 1559 3592 [BD-003-930]. Bridge still there in 2025.Gaisby Lane Bridge, Bolton Woods. 27/07/55.
Cragg End, Engine House and site of Three Riser Locks. 27/07/55.
Grid Ref: SE 1525 3659 [BD-004-700]. The path follows the line of the locks and there appears to be some residual stone work just past the pumping station. Everything in this view as far as the houses has now been demolished and grassed over.Cragg End, Engine House and site of Three Riser Locks. 27/07/55.
Old Stables and site of Prickings Lock. 27/07/55
Exact location not known but ca. Grid Ref: SE 1503 3695 [BD-005-150]. Now demolished.Old Stables and site of Prickings Lock. 27/07/55
