A Trip along the Manchester Ship Canal

From the collection of

North West Film Archive at Manchester Metropolitan University
Established in 1977, the North West Film Archive preserves moving images made in or about the North West of England for the education and enjoyment of the region’s people. Part of Manchester Metropolitan University Library’s Cultural Collections, and based within Manchester Central Library’s Archives+ partnership, we are a specialist resource dedicated to saving and growing our region’s rich filmed history.

A Trip along the Manchester Ship Canal


Sailing into an inland port with the ships bringing goods to Manchester.

Opened in 1894, the Manchester Ship Canal was a milestone in the history of civil engineering. This reel, shot by documentary film pioneer Charles Urban and others, looks at features along its 36-mile length, including Eastham Locks, Barton Aqueduct, and Manchester Docks. We can also see the masts and rigging of sailing ships, a reminder that these are the early decades of this inland waterway.

Opened in 1894, the Manchester Ship Canal was a milestone in the history of civil engineering. This reel, shot by documentary film pioneer Charles Urban and others, looks at features along its 36-mile length, including Eastham Locks, Barton Aqueduct, and Manchester Docks. We can also see the masts and rigging of sailing ships, a reminder that these are the early decades of this inland waterway.


Tags