Bedford Street Staircase Locks, Caldon Canal, Etruria
Introduction
The photograph on this page of Bedford Street Staircase Locks, Caldon Canal, Etruria by Roger D Kidd as part of the Geograph project.
The Geograph project started in 2005 with the aim of publishing, organising and preserving representative images for every square kilometre of Great Britain, Ireland and the Isle of Man.
There are currently over 7.5m images from over 14,400 individuals and you can help contribute to the project by visiting https://www.geograph.org.uk
Bedford Street Staircase Locks, Caldon Canal, Etruria
Image: © Roger D Kidd Taken: 16 Oct 2007
This is the full chamber of the bottom lock of the pair. A narrowboat has just risen on this water and entered the top lock. When that lock is also full, the boat will proceed towards Hanley, and both locks will be full. Now, a boat is waiting to enter the top (full) lock to come down. The top lock will be emptied into this one to equalize levels... BUT IF I DON'T EMPTY THIS ONE FIRST... ("Do those new houses have flood insurance?" I muse!) It has been known for spectators to gather on a fine day with their drinks and sandwiches. The surrounds are grassy, elevated and well kept as a recreational area, and sometimes there is free entertainment... so I am told. One gets a splendid view. In truth, on bank holidays and other busy times a BWB lock keeper is on hand to supervise, two up and two down being the usual procedure, and anyway, there is an efficient overflow channel. End of lecture.
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Image Location
Latitude
53.018168
Longitude
-2.189572