Sluice Gates and Grilles

Some more exciting developments at Wednesbury have taken place this week, following the decision to excavate over the other side of the wall. We have now revealed the remains of the sluice system which regulated water power on the site. The sluice gates were arranged around the outside of the main chimney, which itself protruded into the pond. Some of the wooden gates survive in situ between brick pillars.

Overhead view today looking south. General flow of water is from west to east (right to left on photo).

Interior view looking south, showing the southern sluice and grilles earlier today. These seem to have been at least partly rebuilt, and remained in use after the northern sluices were blocked off.

View of the interior of the northern sluices during cleaning on Tuesday.





Machining now continues in the area between the sluices and the wheelpits and tailraces. This 'island' between the two water-power channels is likely to see some of the earliest remains of the forge. This is really the last part of the site we have yet to explore. The aim is to excavate this area as fully as possible before the Open Days on 15th and 16th July

The area beneath where the machines are standing will be removed during the next week.