Cotswold Canals in Pictures

Bowbridge Lock

The restoration of Bowbridge Lock itself was completed in 2015 with some remaining work to the retaining walls between the tail of the lock and the adjacent Bowbridge Bridge completed in 2016.

Construction

Bowbridge Lock is the third lock on the Thames & Severn Canal on the section of the canal between Wallbridge and the former interchange facilities at Brimscombe Port. It was built to accommodate Severn trows rather than Thames barges, and is thus a little over 16 feet wide and 68 feet long, with a rise of 10 feet (3m). The chamber is brick lined with a substantial stone coping.

The approach at the head of the lock is quite abrupt, the cut narrowing sharply; on both sides there are ground paddles set at right-angles to the canal, in the ends of the lock structure above the top gates.  

(Tap / click images to enlarge)

 

Bowbridge Lock
Restored Bowbridge Lock, Bowbridge, Stroud
Bowbridge Lock
Restored Bowbridge Lock, Bowbridge, Stroud

During Restoration

Bowbridge Lock
Bowbridge Lock with most of the brickwork complete
Bowbridge Lock
Most of the work on the lock has been carries out by WRG
Bowbridge Lock
Volunteer replacing brickwork on Bowbridge Lock
Bowbridge Lock
New concrete retaining wall at Bowbridge Lock

Before Restoration

Bowbridge Lock
Bowbridge Lock before work started in 2014
Bowbridge Lock
Bowbridge Lock looking towards Stroud

Bowbridge Circular Spill Weir

Bowbridge Lock
Circular spill weir Bowbridge Lock after restoration in 2018
Bowbridge Lock
Circular spill weir Bowbridge Lock after restoration in 2015