The Corn Brook feeder of the Leominster Canal : evidence for its existence and its rare sump pound function

摘要

Preliminary LIDAR research on the Leominster Canal revealed what appeared to be a previously unknown canal feeder originating from the Corn Brook.1 Those requiring general information on the nature of LIDAR and its general application to canal and railway research should consult this reference. This article documents the detailed original evidence that has now been established to prove the existence of the feeder and its likely function as a rare example of the provision of a water supply to a sump and not to a summit pound. The Corn Brook feeder is a new and unexpected discovery and is of particular importance to those having an interest in the industrial archaeology of inland waterways, the Leominster Canal and Thomas Dadford junior. None of the major researchers on the Leominster Canal (Israel Cohen, Rhodes Thomas, Charles Hadfield, George Kendrick, Richard Dean and Gerry Calderbank) have made any previous suggestion of its existence. The Corn Brook feeder was also not previously known to the Friends of the Leominster Canal who have undertaken extensive investigative field trips along the whole length of the canal over the last 15 years, including several previous site visits to the Corn Brook location.