King's Norton Stop Lock, Birmingham

Image: © Roger D Kidd Taken: 8 Sep 2008

This is on the Stratford-upon-Avon Canal. Beyond the lock is Bridge No 1 (Broad Meadow Lane), and beyond that is the junction with the Worcester and Birmingham Canal. This part of the canal was built in the mid 1790s, though financial problems caused delays before the canal could open as far as Kingswood Junction (with the Grand Union) in 1803. The second stage (to Stratford) did not start until 1812, and was finished by 1815. Initial plans for a wide canal (the reason for the wide bridges and tunnels) were abandoned at an early stage. Regarding the lock, Nicholson's Guide to the Waterways is concise and informative: In the days of the private canal companies, stop locks were common at junctions, as one canal sought to protect its water from any newcomer. King's Norton Stop Lock is unusual in having two wooden guillotine gates mounted in iron frames, (one each side of the bridge), balanced by chains and counterweights. The machinery is not now used and boats pass under the two gates without stopping.

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