Kelston Lock facts for kids
Kelston Lock is a special kind of gate system on the River Avon in England. It helps boats travel up and down the river, especially between the villages of Kelston and Saltford. This area is located between the big cities of Bristol and Bath.
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What is a River Lock?
A river lock, like Kelston Lock, is a clever invention that helps boats move between different water levels. Imagine a staircase for boats! If a boat needs to go uphill, the lock fills with water to lift the boat. If it needs to go downhill, the lock empties to lower the boat. This makes it possible for boats to travel along rivers and canals that have changes in height.
The River Avon wasn't always easy for boats to use. To make it better for trade and travel, a big project called the Bristol Avon Navigation was built. This waterway stretches about 15 miles (24 km) from the Kennet and Avon Canal at Hanham Lock all the way to the Bristol Channel at Avonmouth.
Work on this important navigation happened between 1724 and 1727. It started because a law was approved by Queen Anne. A group of business owners and an engineer named John Hore from Newbury were in charge of building it. The very first delivery of goods, including wood, lead, and flour, arrived in Bath in December 1727. Today, the Canal & River Trust looks after the navigation, making sure it stays open and safe for everyone to enjoy.
Around Kelston Lock
Kelston Lock is a busy spot! Both above and below the lock, there are places where boats can tie up safely. These are called permanent moorings. Close by, you can also find the Riverside Inn, a place where people can eat and relax, and the Saltford Marina, which is like a parking lot for many boats.
The History of Brass Mill Island
Near Kelston Lock, there's a small piece of land known as "Brass Mill Island." This island got its name because it used to have a brass mill. A brass mill is a factory where brass, a type of metal, was made. The mill had special ovens that heated the metal to make it softer and easier to work with. This process is called annealing. The brass mill on the island closed down in the 1840s, but its history lives on in the island's name.
