Saturday, December 17, 2005

Wey & Arun Canal Commemorated

Lord Egremont, the [Wey & Arun Canal] Trust President, officially unveiled a plaque at the Three Compasses Inn at Alsfold on Wednesday 12th August to commemorate the opening of the canal in 1816. Lord Egremont is the greatgreatgreat grandson of the 3rd Earl of Egremont, who promoted the canal and was the first Chairman of the Wey & Arun Junction Canal Company. The canal’s opening ceremony took place at the Inn on 29th September 1816 amidst great rejoicing when a roasted ox and 200 gallons of ale were consumed. The current landlord couldn’t quite match this but did provide various delicious snacks and drinks for the invited guests.
Lord Egremont also presented an original drawing of the Summit Level, by local artist John Russell Hayes, to Mr Jim McAllister of Dunsfold Park in recognition of his help and support. The Trust hopes to reopen the summit level past the Three Compasses Inn soon and has appointed a Summit Level manager for this purpose. View source here. Read more here.

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