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Knott Court, BRIERLEY HILL, DY5 2UH

Looking north-west across the Delph Locks No 5 (Dudley No 1 Canal) from top of The Goss. The four blocks visible are all part of the Chapel Street Estate dating from the mid-late 1960s. Central is the six storey Knott Court, then almost obscured by trees to the right is Lowther Court (six). The tall one on the left is Briar Court (thirteen storeys), then to its right is Gifford Court (six). https://simonbriercliffe.com/2013/12/06/chapel-street-estate/comment-page-1/

Detail of the brickwork of one of the locks.

By use of a right-angled metal tool called a windlass, the gear which is attached to an underground paddle by a steel rod below the ratchet, can be raised, allowing water through a culvert into the lock. This flow ceases when the level is the same in the lock chamber as it is in the canal to the right of the gate, which can then be (quite) easily swung open by pushing the balance beam (off to the right). The paddle can then be lowered carefully (NOT DROPPED!) Image]

The view up the Delph Nine locks on the Dudley No1 Canal in Brierley Hill, Dudley.

There are short wide pounds between each lock and sideponds which help in the water management. On the right as you look south-west, broad weirs by locks 2 to 7 allow surplus water to cascade down into the next pound in the manner of a waterfall. Image] On the Dudley No 1 Canal, eight locks in the Delph flight provide a fall (or rise) of 85 feet (just under 26 metres) on the Dudley No 1 Canal near Brierley Hill. Originally there were nine locks, opened in 1779, but in the mid 1850s the course was adjusted and the flight rebuilt as eight locks, just the top and bottom ones now being in their original positions. The new flight opened in 1858.

Looking south-west down the flight from Lock No 3. At the bottom Lock (No 8) Dudley No 1 Canal ceases and the Stourbridge Canal continues. On the right, the large side pool flows over the unusual weir as a cascading waterfall - but not much at present because rainfall has been scarce for several weeks. The eight locks of the Delph flight provide a fall (or rise) of 85 feet (just under 26 metres) on the Dudley No 1 Canal near Brierley Hill. Originally there were nine locks, opened in 1779, but in the mid 1850s the course was straightened and the flight rebuilt as eight locks, just the top and bottom ones remaining in their original positions. The new flight opened in 1858. Sustrans National Cycle Route 54 passes along the towpath here.

There are only 8 of them, due to rebuilding!

Looking north-east towards Lock No 5 and Merry Hill. The image shows the tailgates and overflow at Delph Locks No 4. There are short pounds between each lock and sideponds which help in the water management. The locks, stables, basin bridge and lock cottage at the bottom of the flight are all Grade II listed. Image] On the Dudley No 1 Canal, eight locks in the Delph flight provide a fall (or rise) of 85 feet (just under 26 metres) on the Dudley No 1 Canal near Brierley Hill. Originally there were nine locks, opened in 1779, but in the mid 1850s the course was adjusted and the flight rebuilt as eight locks, just the top and bottom ones now being in their original sites. The new flight opened in 1858.

A detail of one of the locks showing the date of construction.