Crofton Locks facts for kids
The Crofton Locks are a series of nine locks located on the Kennet and Avon Canal. You can find them near the village of Great Bedwyn in Wiltshire, England. These locks are like steps that help boats move up or down the canal.
Together, the nine locks raise or lower boats by about 61 feet (18.5 meters). A famous engineer named John Rennie oversaw their construction.
At the top of the locks, the canal reaches its highest point, which is 450 feet (137 meters) above sea level. To make sure there's enough water for the locks, water is brought from Wilton Water. This water is moved to the top of the canal using electric pumps. Sometimes, the old, restored Crofton Pumping Station also helps pump water.
Where are the Crofton Locks Located?
Even though they are called Crofton Locks, they are not actually in the main part of Crofton village. Instead, they are located in the nearby area called Grafton. This is because the boundary between the two areas runs along the West of England Main Line railway, which is just north of the canal.
