The Lockhouse

Alongside Top Lock is the only lock-house on the canal, and it is now a private house. Long after navigation ceased, lock-keepers continued to do some maintenance on the canal to maintain water flow and to keep the towpath open. The last lock-keeper was Henry Richardson, whose family continued to live here until the 1980s. By this time the lock-house was in poor condition and it continued to deteriorate when left empty. Vigorous opposition by PCAS prevented demolition of this important building. It has undergone substantial restoration and improvement. The two bricked-up windows in the upper storey are an interesting feature that has been retained, even though the window tax was repealed in 1851.