The canal between Saul Bridge and Saul Junction ran along the side of low-lying fields with a drainage channel close by to the east.
Originally, the canal was crossed by Gallows Bridge which gave pedestrian access to the narrow strip of land between the canal and the drainage channel. It had steps up either side and a railed platform across the canal – like the gallows designed for multiple hangings. It was little used, and after it was blown down in 1854, changes in land ownership removed the need for it.
In the 1970s, most of this length of canal was re-profiled to form a new river channel as part of a flood alleviation project after 50 houses in Saul village were flooded in 1965. The modern bridge over the river is a few yards north-west of the site of Gallows Bridge.
Also known as Moor Street Bridge from the road it carried, this was originally a hump-back brick structure.
In due course, it was realised that many masted vessels were travelling between the Forest docks and Gloucester via the risky River Severn and it would be good to offer them a safer route via the Stroudwater and Gloucester & Berkeley Canals. So in 1854, the Stroudwater Company agreed to replace the brick structure with a swing bridge.
After the canal closed in 1954, the bridge-hole was filled in.
Originally, there were four cottages in two rows, back to back. By 1851, the building on the right was a beer house known as the Junction Inn, although in later years it was generally known as the Drum & Monkey. It was well situated to welcome crewmen from vessels on both of the canals that met at the Junction.
By the 1870s it was owned by Stroud Brewery, and they paid a small fee for the right to deliver ale casks by boat from Saul Bridge. When the licensee was spotted using the boat to carry fruit in the opposite direction, he was reminded that this was not covered by the agreement and he had to pay extra.
The pub closed in 1968.
Gallows Bridge from Saul Tithe Map and D1180/1/5 p151, 194.
Flooding in Saul from Gloucester Citizen 22 Dec 1965.
Junction Inn from 1851 Census, Wheatenhurst petty sessions, D1180/1/6 p170, D1180/9/6 p176, memories of Mrs Browning.
