Sedgwick Aqueduct

Sedgwick Aqueduct was built in 1818 to carry the elevated section of the Lancaster Kendal Canal over the road between Sedgwick and Natland. It is an unusual example of a skewed bridge - most canal bridges were at right angles to the road that they cross, to simplify design and minimise materials used. A skew bridge avoids the need to put a bend in the road and was state of the art in bridge building at the time. To avoid weakness across the bridge a winding course of stones was used, which, at the same time, created the smallest span.After dewatering in 1955, the canal at Sedgwick the District Council planned to demolish the aqueduct to improve the road between Natland and Levens, but it was saved after a campaign by local residents and canal enthusiasts. It now owned by the Canal and Rivers Trust.