Great Haywood Junction stands as one of England’s most significant inland waterway meeting points, where the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal joins the Trent & Mersey Canal in the heart of Staffordshire. This historic junction has served as a vital link in Britain’s canal network for over 250 years.
The Canal Connection
Great Haywood Junction was completed in 1772, creating a crucial connection between the industrial Midlands and major ports. The Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal provided the essential north-south route linking the River Severn at Stourport to the Trent & Mersey Canal, enabling goods to flow between Bristol, Liverpool, and Hull. This junction became a bustling interchange where narrowboats loaded with coal, iron, pottery, and salt would meet and transfer cargo. The strategic importance of this location made it a thriving commercial hub throughout the Industrial Revolution, with constant traffic of working boats navigating between the different waterways.
What’s There
Current Facilities:
• **Great Haywood Marina**: Modern marina offering boat hire, moorings, and chandlery services for canal enthusiasts (www.greathayoodmarina.co.uk)
• **Clifford Arms**: Traditional canalside pub serving food and real ales, popular with boaters and walkers
• **Towpath Walks**: Well-maintained paths connecting to Cannock Chase, suitable for walking and cycling enthusiasts
Historic Features:
• **Essex Bridge**: Medieval packhorse bridge dating from 1550s, one of England’s longest stone bridges with fourteen arches
• **Trent & Mersey Canal**: James Brindley’s masterpiece completed 1777, featuring original lock chambers and bridge holes
• **Junction Lock**: Historic lock structure where two major canals meet, retaining original stonework and engineering features
• **Shugborough Estate**: Adjacent National Trust property showcasing 18th-century mansion and historic working farm (www.nationaltrust.org.uk/shugborough-estate)
• **Canal Cottages**: Original lock-keeper and maintenance workers’ cottages, many still occupied as private residences today
• **Wharfage Areas**: Remnants of original loading bays where cargo boats transferred goods between different canal networks
The junction remains active today, with pleasure boats, narrowboat holidays, and residential moorings maintaining the waterway’s living heritage while preserving its historical significance for future generations.
Location and Map
The Great Haywood Junction is located on the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal. Use the interactive Google Map below to explore the complete route with heritage sites, lock flights, and connections to the wider canal network.
Photo Gallery
Explore historical and contemporary photographs showcasing Great Haywood Junction’s canal heritage, auto-generated, and industrial archaeology throughout the canal development period.
YouTube Gallery
Watch informative videos featuring canal heritage tours, restoration projects, auto-generated, and educational programs exploring the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal’s waterway heritage and industrial development.
Sources and Further Information
- Canal & River Trust – Official Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal information, moorings, and facilities
- Inland Waterways Association – Canal restoration projects and heritage preservation
- Historic England – Listed structures and industrial heritage conservation
- British History Online – Local industrial development and historical records
- National Archives – Original canal construction documents and trade records
- Heritage Gateway – Archaeological evidence and monument records
- Visit England – Tourism information and visitor facilities
- Canal Museum – Educational resources and canal history
- Waterscape – Walking routes, cycle paths, and activity guides
- Pennine Waterways – Regional canal network and heritage sites
Planning Your Visit
Getting There: Use local transport apps and tourist information centres for current travel options to Great Haywood Junction.
Facilities: Check Canal & River Trust website for current opening times, mooring availability, and accessibility information.
Local Heritage: Contact local heritage societies and visitor centres for guided tours and special events.