St Helens (2) - Virtual Journey along the Sankey Canal

World of Glass footbridge in St Helens
This glass-sided footbridge links the two parts of the World of Glass visitor attraction, near the centre of St Helens. The building incorporates an 1883 glass cone house.
World of Glass footbridge, St Helens
The enclosed footbridge crossing the Sankey Canal between the two parts of the World of Glass museum, St Helens.
railway crosses Sankey Canal in St Helens
Where the railway from Liverpool crosses the canal, the rail bridge was replaced by an embankment when the bridge became unstable.
footbridge over Sankey Canal in St Helens
East of the railway, a footbridge crosses the canal, as the towpath route changes to the other bank.
former Sutton Branch junction with Sankey Canal
After the footbridge, the canal takes a sharp turn north-eastwards. There was a junction here, with the Sutton Arm running southwards for a short distance to a coal pit. The canal terminated in this area in 1772 after the opening of the Boardmans Bridge Branch, which later came to be regarded as the main line. The Ravenhead branch, which went off to the left of the picture, opened in 1778.
former rail crossing, St Helens
Where the canal narrows, a swing bridge once carried the 1849 railway from Runcorn Gap into the original St Helens Station.
rail crossing, St Helens
A short distance ahead is the crossing of the present railway from St Helens Junction. This was also originally a swing bridge.
Church Street, St Helens
The short stub on the right was originally the entrance to a loading arm. In the distance is the crossing of Church Street.