Scheduled Monument: Beeston Cast Iron Lock (1006759)

FULL DESCRIPTION OF MONUMENT AND ASSESSMENT OF ITS IMPORTANCE: This unique cast iron lock was built by Telford in 1828 to overcome problems of acute loss of water due to unstable foundations. The lock chamber itself and its immediate approaches are lined with cast iron plates. The lock gates themselves are conventional. The lock is situated on the Shropshire Union Canal at Tiverton. The date of construction is painted on a cast iron plate. Some small replacenent panels can be seen on one gate. The lock is by-passed by a brick lined channel. The lock is approximately 35 yds in length and approximately 15 ft vide and deep. This cast iron lock is unique and portrays another innovative use of cast-iron by Telford in canal engineering.