Kendal Civic Society

Two buildings associated with the canal have been rescued, but what of the old CoalWharf on the north side of Change Bridge? Three wharves were built in 1819, one on the north side of Parkside Road, one immediately south of Parkside Road and the third just north of Change Bridge. On the 1898 O.S. Map this is shown as 'LoundWharf’ 'Coal Depot, with the exit from the wharf on to what is now Garden Road. It was only yards away from the rear entrance to the Lound Iron Foundry. Coal was brought in to the Gas Works on Parkside Road, using this wharf for almost a century.

The wharf is the reason for Change Bridge. South of the bridge, the tow path was on the west of the canal but, to avoid interference with loading and unloading of barges moored at the wharves, the tow path continued north from the bridge to Canal Head only on the eastern side. At Change Bridge barge horses on the west bank were led up a ramp and over thebridge to continue on the other side.

In 1848 the wharf, later known as Thompson’s Wharf, was purchased by Miles Thompson, partner in the Websters’ building firm, who had built himself a house, Ivy Bank, immediately to the west of the horse ramp. When this property was redeveloped recently as flats, it was discovered that the wharf, long infilled with soil, is intact with, still in place, the sluice gate to carry excess water to the river, and even scratches of paint from barges on the side walls.

Garth heads is a medieval lane running across the fellside from Captain French Lane to Beast Banks. It is on a geological fault-line and is consequently very fragile. There have been two spectacular collapses in the past three years and it is such an important part of Kendal’s history that the Society has long been involved with its preservation.

In 1992, planning permission was granted on a site towards the Captain French Lane end of Garth Heads, below Aireycliffeand it's 1750s  summerhouse, with the stipulation that all work had to be done by hand-barrowing. Enough minor work was done within the next five years to ensure that the permission remained valid.

The vital part of the 2000 report on remaining links with the Lancaster to Kendal canal, as far as the Society is concerned, is “the importance of the canal and its associated buildings.“  It was soon realised that the Change Bridge was in a state of decay and in desperate need of conservation. The Society set about raising £50,000 for the Change Bridge. With hard work and generous grants, the money was found and SLDC carried out the work to the high standard visible today. One of the Society’s green plaques is placed beside Change Bridge.

The reason for Change Bridge is Thompson's Wharf. South of the bridge, the tow path was on the west of the canal but, to avoid interference with loading and unloading of barges moored at the wharves, the tow path continued north from the bridge to Canal Head only on the eastern side. At Change Bridge barge horses on the west bank were led up a ramp and over the bridge to continue on the other side.

Consideration will be given to new buildings in Kendal erected within the last year. At present only one award is given - future awards will depend upon the number and quality of buildings erected in forthcoming years. Awards will only be made if scheme's of sufficient quality are brought forward and there will therefore not necessarily be an award each year.

1. Schemes should be sympathetic to their surroundings and contribute to a sense of place.
2. Buildings should show respect for the scale and image of the surrounding locality whilst not setting out to mimic historic forms.
3. Buildings should demonstrate high quality in both design and environmental management.

The award consists of a framed plaque for the architect/designer and is accompanied by appropriate publicity through press, TV and on the web site. For the future the Society may seek partnership for this award with appropriate bodies such as Kendal Town Council and S.L.D.C., both of whom are very supportive.