Sheffield Lock facts for kids
Sheffield Lock is a special water gate, called a lock, found on the Kennet and Avon Canal. It's located near the village of Burghfield in Berkshire, England. Sometimes people also call it Shenfield Lock.
Locks like Sheffield Lock help boats move up or down between different water levels on a canal. This lock helps boats change their height by about 2 feet 2 inches (0.66 meters).
Building Sheffield Lock
Sheffield Lock was built a very long time ago, between 1718 and 1723. An engineer named John Hore from Newbury was in charge of building it. This part of the canal is now managed by the Canal & River Trust and is known as the Kennet Navigation.
When it was first built in the early 1700s, the sides of the lock were made of turf, which is like grass and soil. Later, in the middle of the 1700s, the lock was made bigger. This was so it could handle larger boats called "Newbury barges." It has also had some changes made to it in the 20th century.
How Sheffield Lock Works
Sheffield Lock is made from strong brick walls. These walls have a special wavy or "scalloped" shape, with 11 curved sections. The top of the walls has brick coping, which is a protective layer.
The lock has two sets of double wooden gates. These gates open and close to let water in or out. They are moved using mechanical gear, which makes it easier to operate them.
Because Sheffield Lock is so old and important, it is protected. It is a grade II listed building, which means it's a building of special historical interest. It is also a scheduled ancient monument, which gives it even more protection as an important historical site.
Images for kids
-
Sheffield Lock, with its scalloped walls.
