Swineford Lock facts for kids
Swineford Lock is a special kind of gate system called a canal lock. It is found on the River Avon in the village of Swineford, England. Locks help boats move up or down rivers and canals where the water level changes.
What is a Canal Lock?
A canal lock is like a water elevator for boats. It helps boats travel between different water levels. Imagine a river that has a big drop or rise in its path. A lock has two gates and a chamber in between.
When a boat wants to go up, it enters the lock from the lower side. The lower gate closes behind it. Water is then let into the chamber until it reaches the higher water level. The boat then floats up with the water.
Once the water levels are the same, the upper gate opens. The boat can then leave the lock and continue its journey on the higher water. The process is reversed for boats going down.
The Bristol Avon Navigation is a waterway that stretches about 15 miles (24 km). It connects the Kennet and Avon Canal to the Bristol Channel. This important waterway was built a long time ago, between 1724 and 1727.
The idea for the navigation came from a law passed by Queen Anne. A group of people called "proprietors" (who owned parts of the project) worked together. They hired an engineer named John Hore to design and build it.
The first boats carrying goods arrived in Bath in December 1727. They brought things like wooden boards, lead, and grain. Today, the waterway is looked after by the Canal & River Trust. This organization helps keep the canals and rivers working for everyone to enjoy.
Swineford's Busy Past
Swineford was once a very busy place, especially between 1709 and 1859. It had a strong industry that worked with brass and copper. The River Avon was very important for these businesses.
The river provided power for the machines used in the factories. It also helped transport the raw materials and finished products. Besides metalwork, the river also powered mills that made cloth. Later, one of these mills was changed to make "flock," which is a material used for stuffing or coating.
