The above sequence of pictures show the fully laden ‘Gladys Lilian’ sand barge approaching Lemonroyd locks en route to Leeds in February 2001.  The lock is shown refilling and the barge leaving for its destination. The last three pictures show its sister barge ‘Jolly Miner’ on its way  downstream for the next load..

Work has since been completed on the new sand wharf at Whitwood on the river Calder and barges have been re-directed to this site opposite Methley since the 11th July, 2001.   The Leeds wharf closed for business on 24th July.  The Whitwood site was officially opened on Monday 12th November, 2001 by David Jamieson, Transport Minister.

Canal Diversion

From Russia with....

                                             Sloop ‘Mary’ (1801)
A round  stemmed sailing ship with a single mast and sloop rigged.   Built in Methley in 1801 it measured 54’10”  x 13’ 10”  x 4’ 5” and registered burthen 45 tons.   The ship was described as a mariner vessel employed in inland navigation.     The owner was Valentine Townsley of Castleford.
Source Pontefract Hist. Society

Copy of a letter from the master of a coal barge in Wisbech (Cambs) to the Coal Dealer.dated February 2nd 1816.

Mr Samewell Hartley
Bridge Head, Wakefield
Yorkshire.                                                                           Feb 2 1816

Mr Hartley
Sir the present is to inform you that whe rived hoar last Sunday with Medlay Coles.   I have sould them at A very Bad price    the Rever is frose hup hear      I have got Agreed for A cargo yet Bull will Rit you as soun as I Gre I hop
Sir you wount take hit Amis me not  Gamess flover to Satel Instiad low nor thre Blls to ---ary But I hop the next oveig eill Don this leaves me well a I hop will find you the same.
                                     and remain your
                                         Humbel Servant
                                         John Taylor
Wisbech 2nd feb, 1816

The letter is available for viewing at the West Yorkshire Archive Service, Wakefield,