IMAGES TAKEN NEAR TO
Marjorie Avenue, BIRMINGHAM, B30 3NR

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.

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.

Assuming the other photo direction is correct, mine is on the opposite side of the bridge in the diametrically opposite direction - the pictures are not reversed. This is not a conventional lock with a level change. It is a stop lock to stop water flow and to protect the Stratford Canal from any loss in the Birmingham & Worcester. The Stratford Canal was owned by a separate company. This is a very rare beast and consists of one gate each side of the bridge.

This unique stop lock with two guillotine gates was built to avoid loss of water from the Worcester & Birmingham Canal when the Stratford Canal joined it at King's Norton junction. There are changes since the 1988 photo Image] including the new railing and many more trees, but sadly graffiti remains a common problem.

One of the pair of Guillotine locks on the Stratford-on-Avon Canal at King's Norton. The locks are no longer in use but are Grade II* listed buildings. It is a pity that some thoughtless people felt they needed to spray graffiti on it.

Stratford-upon-Avon Canal. Beyond the bridge the Stratford Canal meets the Worcester and Birmingham canal at King's Norton Junction. For details about the guillotine lock ahead, please see other images. Image]

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, balanced by chains and counterweights. The machinery is not now used and boats pass under the two gates without stopping. Also, William Dargue writes: The unusual Lifford Guillotine Lock was a stop lock designed to stop water flowing either way from the Worcester & Birmingham Canal to the Stratford Canal; water was an expensive commodity for canal companies. The 15cm difference in water levels was maintained for over a hundred years until the whole canal system was nationalised in 1948. The lock is brick-lined and the gate framework is of cast-iron. The gates are operated by a hand-winched counterweighted chain mechanism. The present gates are probably 19th-century but all other parts are original. The lock is Grade II Listed and Scheduled Ancient Monument.http://billdargue.jimdo.com/placenames-gazetteer-a-to-y/places-k/kings-norton/

This was an official open day to show the work involved in restoring a grade II* listed structure on a working waterway. One of the lock gates is scaffolded and sheeted. There is a cofferdam to the right keeping the lock chamber dry and the public are queuing for their hard hats and hi-vis vests. It was a well organised and well attended day.