The Ashton Canal received its Act of Parliament in 1792. It was built to supply coal from Oldham and Ashton under Lyne to Manchester. The first section between Ancoats Lane to Ashton-under-Lyne and Hollinwood was completed in 1796, the completing section to the Ducie St Junction was built in 1798, and the Rochdale Canal link to the Bridgewater Canal at Castlefield was completed in 1800. From the lock we see entrance to the Islington Branch to the right.