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200 years of the Iron Trunk Aqueduct

11th Jan 2011

To celebrate the 200th birthday of the Iron Trunk Aqueduct, British Waterways has today started a £300,000 year-long programme of improvement works to bring this stunning feat of Georgian engineering back to its former glory.

The Iron Trunk Aqueduct, which carries the Grand Union Canal between Cosgrove and Milton Keynes, is a popular landmark with boaters and visitors to the waterway. As part of the celebrations to mark this bicentenary year, British Waterways will be giving this important historic structure a much needed refurbishment and a new paint job.

Before the repainting can start, the company needs to establish the original paint specification, including the colour scheme, when it officially opened on January 21 1811.

Today, British Waterways' contractors will be abseiling from the top of the 40 foot high aqueduct in order to take paint samples from various sections.

Once the original colour and composition of the paint has been scientifically analysed, the re-painting will take place later in the year.

Designed and built by canal engineer Benjamin Beavan, the main purpose of the 31-metre cast iron structure was to carry the Grand Union Canal over the River Ouse. The current aqueduct replaces the previous brick built aqueduct which collapsed in 1808.

Great historic significance

The cast iron units were cast at the Ketley foundry at Coalbrookdale and transported by boat along the canal before being fully assembled on site.

British Waterways’ regeneration manager, James Clifton said: “It’s great that we have the opportunity to refurbish this wonderful aqueduct to mark this very special birthday. It is of great historic significance, so we are analysing the paint to be absolutely certain we are using the right colours in the right places.

“As well as re-painting and repairing sections of the aqueduct, British Waterways is planning to involve local schools and organisations in researching information for new information panels, giving visitors and boaters an insight into the aqueduct’s history and also to also use existing footpaths to create ‘waterway walks’, which incorporate the canal and this magnificent structure.”

Since it was built, there have only been two occasions when the aqueduct was de-watered for repairs - the first in 1921, and again in 1986.

Last updated: 11/01/2011