Ellesmere Port Lighthouse

Ellesmere Port Lighthouse stands beside the Manchester Ship Canal in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire West and Chester. The dock was built in the late 18th century to link the Ellesmere Canal with the River Mersey. Engineers such as Thomas Telford improved the facilities between 1830 and the 1840s. By 1892 a new wharf had been added to handle traffic on the Manchester Ship Canal. The docks were leased to the Manchester Ship Canal in 1921, which led to their decline. The site now houses the National Waterways Museum, Ellesmere Port. In 2007 the docks were reopened as part of a revival of British ports and shipbuilding. A planning consultation in 2008 considered relocating the docks closer to Eastham and redeveloping the area for up to 8,000 new homes. Visitors find a waterfront area covering over 70 acres. The museum occupies the historic dock and conservation area. The Bridgewater Paper Works lies to the south-east of the site. The lighthouse remains a landmark beside the canal. The surroundings include the Manchester Ship Canal and the River Mersey.