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Newlay Weir collapsed in early February 2021, during a period of very high river levels caused by recent heavy rain and snow.
The first pictures appeared locally on social media on 4th February, where you could see that water was lower in the centre of the weir. By 9th February, a large section had collapsed, leaving the river level at least a metre below the top of the weir. The water was flowing through a gap between 5 and 10 metres wide. The altered flow has washed away some of the bank just downstream, causing a large tree to fall into the water. It was also reported that contractors working on construction of the fish pass lost some equipment into the river.
The river under Newlay Bridge is now a metre lower than normal summer levels, leaving parts of the banks exposed which are normally under water.
The weir is a Grade II Listed structure (see English Heritage Link ). There are various reports of its age - the first weir may have been built by monks from Kirkstall Abbey. It is clear that a weir existed by the late 17th century, and the present weir dates from the 19th century. The purpose of the weir was to divert water along a goit (channel) towards Kirkstall Forge (which certainly has its origins as a corn mill built by the monks). By the late 18th century Beecroft and Butler were using the forge to make wrought iron. The goit fed into a dam from where it drove 3 waterwheels which operated drop hammers in the forge. (See SE2536 : Remains of the Kirkstall Forge ). 2 of the water wheels and parts of the original building still exist and are Grade II listed.

Created: Thu, 11 Feb 2021, Updated: Thu, 11 Feb 2021