More information : (SE 57138540-57498515) Canal (NR)
(SE 57538495-57838373) Canal (NR) (twice)
(SE 57128540) Dam (NR) (Site of). (1)
A series of artifical water channels at Rievaulx Abbey which Rye
supposed were built as canals for the transportation of building
stone from local quarries during the construction of the abbey (from
c 1135-40). Rye postulated that his canals could be directly
related to the "making of dikes" mentioned in three 12th century
charters (a) but this was questioned by Weatherill who stated
that the charters refer to the making of diversions on the
River Rye (see plan). VCH who also put forward theories on the
canals and river diversions were confused and incorrect according
to Hayes. (2-5)
A - 'First Canal'. Weatherill agrees with Rye's theory that this
was a canal for the conveyance of stone from quarries above and
below Bow Bridge, including 'Penny Piece' quarry. Rye saw foundations
of a dam (see plan) below Bow Bridge for diverting the river flow
into the canal.
B - 'Second and Third Canal'. Rye suggested that these 'canals'
were constructed for the conveyance of stone from Hollins Wood
quarry (SE 58 SE 42), but Weatherill casts doubt on this. He
states that there was a difference in height of c 9 ft from the
Abbey end to Hollins Wood and wondered how water could be maintained
deep enough at the Abbey end, and if by a dam or lock how barges were
passed from the lower to upper reaches. He supposes if there was
a lock (and Pacitto says there are two dams, one possibly with a
lock at the S end of the second canal) it was probably a "flash
lock", as pound locks were not introduced until Elizabethan
times.
Building material in the early abbey building incorporates quarry
stone from Bow Bridge, Hollins Wood and also Bilsdale quarries.
Hayes quoting Pacotton states that Rye's theory of the canals
is valid but not proven; Weatherill is not dicussed. See master plan.
The extent of the canal perambulated included the majority of the
"second canal" and the whole of the "third canal", (see master
plan), from SE 57588489 to SE 57828377.
The "second canal" from Rievaulx Abbey southwards to the road was
formed by building a broad bank at the foot of a steep slope, thus
enclosing the channel. This bank is between 1.0 m and 1.4 m high.
The enclosed channel is now marshy ground, with a small drain running
through it. Near SE 57558448 is a complex of low banks, some
containing a pond and others which may be the two dams suggested
by Pacitto (authority 5b). No clear evidence of a lock was visible,
but a slight change of altitude does occur in this area. The pond
may have provided a water supply for the lock. The overflow channel
to the river is some 1.4 m deep.
South of the road the "third canal" is constructed in a series
of straight lines with external banks between 1.0 m and 1.4 m high.
The depth is 1.8 m - 2.0 m. In winter, part of this section contains
static water. Towards the S end the canal is dug directly into the
ground to a depth of 1.8 m.
From SE 57788381 southwards the feature is now in a ploughed field
and remains as a depression about 1.5 m deep, and with a reduced
profile. Changes in the course of the R Rye have obliterated the
junction with the river shown on master plan and any trace of
Rye's dam near Clogger's Bridge.
Published survey revised on 1:2500 MSDs. (6)
These canals were part of a water management system which shifted the
course of the River Rye westwards. This was done because Byland
Abbey controlled the land on the west bank and the original course of
the river sandwiched Rievaulx bewteen it and the east ridge of the
valley. When the river was moved westwards Rievaulx gained water
meadows and control of its water supply, the original course of the
river was converted into a leat. On the north side of the abbey the
leat powered mills, a corn mill, a fulling mill and a water powered
smithy and on the south it was dammed to form a fish pond.
Scheduled. (7) |