Drayton Manor.

Choice of crossings.

Boaters are quite familiar with this rather ornate bridge at Drayton Manor on the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal. Less so maybe with the swing bridge.

Twin crossings like this are fairly rare. Drayton Foot Bridge has two turrets, with internal spiral staircases. The brickwork looks old, but it is difficult to put an age to it.

The swing bridge, or swivel bridge as stated on the plaque, is dated as 1991. However, it is likely that this is simply a modern replacement of an original.

Mooring bollards suggest that the swing bridge was originally normally shut across the canal, with boaters having to open it to go through. Today, it is a farm crossing that is chained open to the canal.

Photograph Details:

• Taken: 16 Sep 2017
• Camera: Olympus OM-D E-M10 MkIIA
• Lens: Olympus 14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6
• Focal Length 14mm
• F/8
• 1/100 Sec
• ISO 200