THE GRANTHAM Canal Society is asking for the public’s help as it bids to restore the historic Canal Wharf and Weigh House at Muston Gorse, near Bottesford in Lincolnshire.
The building is derelict and needs full renovation. So far, a Crowdfunder has raised £735. The society aims to restore the structure, creating a vibrant visitor attraction for the community, history lovers and canal walkers alike. The society plans to use volunteers to do the work but hopes fundraising will provide the historic building materials needed.
In addition, the group plans to erect a sculpture depicting the original wharf crane.
The Duke of Rutland’s Grantham Canal Wharf, located at Muston Gorse near Bottesford, was historically connected to Belvoir Castle via one of England’s earliest horse-drawn railways, established in 1815 by the Butterley Ironworks Company.
While coal was a primary commodity transported to the castle, the tramway also carried other essential supplies. The Grantham Canal played a significant role in regional trade, bringing in materials such as fertiliser (notably night soil from Nottingham) and building materials. Additionally, the canal facilitated the movement of agricultural products, including ground corn, rolled oats and malt for local beer production.
At Muston Gorse Wharf, a weighbridge was installed to measure the weight of goods being transported. This infrastructure ensured accurate accounting for various commodities, including coal, fertilisers, building materials and agricultural products.The establishment of the Grantham Canal and its associated tramway significantly enhanced the efficiency of transporting goods to Belvoir Castle, reducing costs and improving accessibility to essential supplies beyond coal. If you can help, please go to: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/gcsweigh-house
