Inclined elevator from Hay

The Hay Inclined Elevator was a boat lift in the Ironbridge Gorge in Shropshire , England .

The elevator connected a short stretch of the Shropshire Union Canal with the River Severn and the adjacent industrial area of Blists Hill .

The inclined elevator was in operation from 1792 to 1894. Remnants of the complex can now be viewed as part of the Blists Hill Victorian Town open-air museum . A model can be seen as a diorama in the Museum of the Gorge in Ironbridge

The inclined elevator from Hay was a double-track system with dry conveyor . The tub boats were pulled out of the water by means of transport trolleys and, after overcoming the height difference of 63 m (207 ft), set down again in the water. Two boats, one going uphill and one going downhill, were always connected with ropes so that they pulled each other. Power assistance was provided by a steam engine .

Coordinates: 52 ° 37 '17.7 "  N , 2 ° 27' 7.6"  W.