South West Water

Tavistock canal Tunnel Inspection 2006

The waters of the Tavistock Canal which once facilitated trade between the town of Tavistock and the quays at Morwellham, were diverted in the 1930’s to provide water to a new Hydro Electric Powerstation on the River Tamar.

These photographs (taken during a South West water inspection of the canal) were part of a larger project to provide photographs for an Archaeologist studying the Tamar Valley area and the remains of it’s industrial past.
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A dock where barges tied up to be loaded with copper ore from mineral deposits discovered during construction of the tunnel (1804 - 1817)
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Shaft capping at tunnel roof level from the mid 1900’s to stop debris falling into the canal tunnel.
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Much of the work carried out during the 1900’s is in a serious and unstable condition. 

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Rotten timbers - originally helping to keep the tunnel fabric together, are now only of no use (but of interest to mining historians).

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The inspection team at the upstream end of the canal tunnel entrance
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A mine level draining into the canal tunnel.
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The downstream canal tunnel portal (Morwellham Quay end)

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