The building of the Stourbridge canal started in 1776 and was completed around 1779. The canal was constructed of sandstone, clay and brick all of which was manufactured or dug from the surrounding areas. Blue brick and sandstone was used on the edgings of the lock chambers whereas within the cutting a hard water resistant red brick was used.
The lock gates and beams were constructed of Oak sometimes Elm with the paddles made of Cast Iron. The paddle gears were also made locally. Some of the traditional gear mechanisms remain today and were constructed by the Stourbridge Canal Company.
The Bonded Warehouse and Stourbridge Arm
The end of the Stourbridge Arm is dominated by the restored Bonded Warehouse. This was built in 1779, extended in 1849, and is now a popular meeting place for local societies and other groups. Overlooking the end of the canal is the Moorings Tavern which has a small beer garden. Across the street are the former offices of the Stourbridge Canal Company. Moorings for boats extend along the canal. Beyond them are the historic Stourbridge Ironworks where the Stourbridge Lion - the first locomotive to run on rails in America and the Agenoria, the first in the midlands, - were both built in 1829.
At the bend in the canal the remains of the railway from the wharf to the 'New Foundry' behind the Ironworks can be seen as well as 'Riverside', once the home of the manager of the ironworks. There is an interesting short walk along the canal to the junction which continues to the East as the Stour Valley Walk.
At the warehouse there are moorings for visiting boats, a water point and winding hole. The town centre of Stourbridge is only a few minutes away.
Wordsley Dock
From Stourbridge the canal climbs 145 feet up the hill towards Dudley through a flight of sixteen locks. Between locks 11 and 12 is a basin with wharves and an unusual timber warehouse built by the canal company in the late l9th century. There is another basin and a side pond above lock 11 next to a row of old cottages. The next locks up are known as 'The Staircase' as they are so close together.
There is an old iron split bridge (to allow the rope between boat and horse to pass through) giving access to the attractive lock cottage. This area with its pleasing setting was designated as a Conservation Area in 1977. Just below it the Red House Glass Cone has its own wharf. The cone is open to the public free of charge. The cone is one of only four left in the country although they were once a familiar sight in the surrounding glassmaking district.
