This cache is in the location of one of the old long gone canal wharfs. Very close to the site of this cache was the Kings Norton Brickworks, in its hayday it produced 200,000 bricks per week and they were transported by narrow boats though the canal network to build the various bridges, tunnels and locks on the Birmingham canal network and beyond, on your way to this cache, you will see a wall between two canal cottages with a 'No Fishing' sign, if your tall enough to peer over it, you will see the last sight of the river on the hill before it feeds the canal with its water.....River on the hill.... Canal History
River on the hill....
Closer examination of the layout of the land you will notice that this water course is flowing not in the valley but half way up the hill...?
What is going on?
Birmingham is famous for it's canals, this cache highlights a part of that history.
This water course is a canal feeder, it originates at wychall reservoir which was in itself built by the canal companies. It was built in the early 19th century by the Worcester Canal Company, after mill owners claimed that water was being taken from the River Rea to fill the canal, thereby reducing the working effectiveness of their mills. The water flows along the contours of the land in this manmade river half way up the hill into the canal to keep the canal topped up with water.