Sheffield Lock, at grid reference SU648706, is a lock on the Kennet and Avon Canal, in the civil parish of Burghfield in the English county of Berkshire. It is also sometimes known as Shenfield Lock.

Sheffield Lock
Sheffield Lock, with its scalloped walls
Sheffield Lock is located in Berkshire
Sheffield Lock
Location of Sheffield Lock in Berkshire
51°25′51″N 1°04′07″W / 51.4309°N 1.0687°W / 51.4309; -1.0687
TypeCanal lock
LocationBurghfield
SU 648706
History
Built1718–1723
Rebuiltmid 18th century
Site notes
AreaBerkshire
ArchitectJohn Hore
Governing bodyCanal and River Trust
Listed Building – Grade II
Official name
Sheffield Lock at SU 648706
Designated6 December 1990
Reference no.1319599
Official name
Sheffield (or Shenfield) Lock
Reference no.1006972

History

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Sheffield Lock was built between 1718 and 1723 under the supervision of the engineer John Hore of Newbury, and this stretch of the river is now administered by the Canal & River Trust as part of the Kennet Navigation. It has a change in level of 2 ft 2 in (0.66 m).[1]

The lock was built in the early 18th century and was originally turf-sided. It was enlarged in the mid 18th century to cope with larger "Newbury barges"[2] and has 20th century alterations. It consists of brick chamber walls of 11 scalloped bays, with brick coping and has 2 sets of double wooden gates, all with mechanical gate paddle gearing. The lock is Grade II listed,[3] and a scheduled monument.[4]

References

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  1. Pearson, Michael (2003). Kennet & Avon Middle Thames:Pearson's Canal Companion. Rugby: Central Waterways Supplies. ISBN 0-907864-97-X.
  2. Allsop, Niall (1987). The Kennet & Avon Canal. Bath: Millstream Book. ISBN 0-948975-15-6.
  3. Historic England (6 December 1990). "Sheffield Lock at SU 648706 (Grade II) (1319599)". National Heritage List for England.
  4. Historic England. "Sheffield (or Shenfield) Lock (Grade scheduled monument) (1006972)". National Heritage List for England.

See also

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