Rowley Bottom in 1798
Three caissons were needed to overcome
the drop of 135
feet at Rowley Bottom.
One possible layout of the caissons, supported by some map
evidence, was a direct line of three caissons down the
hillside at a site which later became known as 'Caisson
Field'. The third caisson would not sensibly have been built
at position 3A it because the site would be below the valley
floor and would have needed massive underground construction
works. Recent examination of the Smith-Carey Map suggest
that the third caisson was intended to be built at the
position shown as 3B
Work on the second caisson was known to
have been started but then abandoned; and the third caisson
was never attempted. A mound of earth, which may be the
remains of the second caisson is still visible from the
Combe Hay to Midford road.
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