Join the official Bridgewater Tour Guides for a tour exploring the rich history of the Bridgewater Canal in Salford and the hidden clues of its link to the coal deep in seams underground.
Worsley Village was once the hub of a thriving industry built upon the coal belonging to the Duke of Bridgewater in the 18th Century.
His life's work centred around how to make the transport of coal from his land to the growing city of Manchester possible and most importantly profitable! This is the place that sparked the industrial revolution.
We follow the path of history and heritage from the Duke and his canal to his descendant the Earl of Ellesmere and his own personal project, St Mark's Church. A grade 1 listed building designed by the eminent architect Sir George Gilbert Scott.
Worsley today is a picture postcard village with attractive black and white buildings and a large village green. We’ll explain exactly what is Worsley Delph, explore the hidden industrial history of Worsley Green, the unique dry dock, the Bridgewater Canal itself, the incredible network of underground canals, follow in the footpath of generations of children over Alphabet Bridge, imagine the steamers leaving the Packet House, see the recently installed orange bottomed duck sculptures and starvationer benches, hear he story of the characters involved in the evolution of the area, which intertwines with the story of the new RHS Bridgewater and beautiful gothic church St Mark's church. We may even spot a lion or two.
We will finish the walk with included cake and refreshments to digest the incredible changes to industrial Britain, which can in part be credited to the ingenuity of the Duke, his workers and those that followed in his footsteps.
Please note visits to St Mark's Church may be limited on certain dates according to the church events schedule.
This is the only official tour approved by RHS Bridgewater.