Aldermaston Lock facts for kids
Details of the Scalloped Walls
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| Waterway | Kennet and Avon Canal |
|---|---|
| Country | England |
| County | Berkshire |
| Maintained by | Canal & River Trust |
| Operation | manual |
| First built | 1718-1723 |
| Latest built | 1984 |
| Fall | 8 feet 11 inches (2.72 m) |
| Heritage status | grade II listed building |
| Coordinates | 51°24′00″N 1°08′13″W / 51.4°N 1.137°W |
| Lock No 95 | |
Aldermaston Lock is a special kind of gate system on the Kennet and Avon Canal in Berkshire, England. It helps boats move up or down between different water levels. You can find it near Aldermaston Wharf, where the areas of Padworth, Beenham, and Aldermaston meet.
Contents
What is Aldermaston Lock?
Aldermaston Lock is like a watery elevator for boats. It helps them travel along the Kennet and Avon Canal. This canal connects the River Kennet and the River Avon. Locks are important because they allow boats to go over hills and through valleys.
How Does a Lock Work?
A lock is a chamber with gates at both ends. When a boat wants to go up, the bottom gates open. The boat enters, and the gates close. Then, water is let into the chamber until the boat floats up to the higher water level. The top gates then open, and the boat can leave. To go down, the process is reversed. Water is let out of the chamber until the boat lowers to the next level.
History of Aldermaston Lock
Aldermaston Lock was built a long time ago, between 1718 and 1723. An engineer named John Hore from Newbury oversaw its construction.
Early Design and Changes
When it was first built, the lock had "turf-sided" walls. This means the sides were made of earth and grass, not brick. Later, in the mid-1700s, the lock was made bigger. Its walls were rebuilt with special "scalloped" bricks, which have a wavy pattern.
In 1984, the lock was restored. The scalloped walls were made taller to reach the full height of the lock. You can still see a line of blue bricks. This line shows where the original, shorter scalloped walls ended.
Why Was it Called Brewhouse Lock?
Aldermaston Lock used to have a different name: Brewhouse Lock. This was because a brewery called Strange's Brewery was located right next to it.
Who Manages the Canal?
For many years, the canal was managed by an organization called British Waterways. However, since 2012, the Canal & River Trust has been responsible for looking after the canal and its locks, including Aldermaston Lock.
Lock Details
Aldermaston Lock is Lock No. 95 on the Kennet and Avon Canal. It helps boats change water levels by about 8 feet 11 inches (2.72 m). This means it lifts or lowers boats almost nine feet!
It is also a "grade II listed building". This means it's an important historical structure. It is protected by law because of its special history and design.
Visitor Information
If you walk about 200 yards (180 m) (about 180 meters) along the towpath towards Reading, you will find the K & A Tea Room & Visitor Centre. It's a great place to learn more about the canal and grab a snack.
Images for kids
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Top gates and scalloped lock walls.
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A boat leaving the bottom of the lock.
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View of the lock and former wharf area
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Aldermaston Lock in 1975 before restoration.
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Lift Bridge near Aldermaston Lock.
