Monument record 298/1/3 - Beeston Cast Iron Lock

<1> Ashmore, O, 1982, The Industrial Archaeology of North West England, p.28-29 (Book). SCH3181.

Beeston Cast Iron Lock. Situated on the Shropshire Union Canal. Constructed by Telford 1827-28. Sides of cast iron plates, double iron gates at upper end. Old line of canal visible north of lock. Masonry blocks mark site of overflow weir

<2> English Heritage, Various, Old/Original Schedule Entry (Scheduled Ancient Monuments Description), No.125 (Scheduling Record). SCH4606.

Built to overcome the 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 are conventional. The date of the lock's construction is painted on one cast iron plate. Some small replacement panels can be seen on one gate. The lock is by-passed by a brick-lined channel. The lock is c.32m long and approx 4.6m wide and deep. The cast-iron lock is unique and portrays another innovative use of cast- iron by Telford.

<3> English Heritage, Various, Schedule Entry (Scheduled Ancient Monuments Amendment), No.125 (Scheduling Record). SCH2950.

<4> Historic England, 2011, The National Heritage List for England, 1240680 (Web Site). SCH6528.

Grade II* Listed - Lock. 1828, by Telford. Chamber and wing walls lined with cast iron plates. Pair of wooden bottom gates with gate paddle gearing. Pair of steel top gates, with 1 gate paddle mounted on towpath side gate, and 2 ground paddles. All mechanical paddle gearings. Iron footbridge across lock tail. This lock is unique. Scheduled ancient monument, Ches.125.

<5> Historic England, 2011, The National Heritage List for England, 1006759 (Web Site). SCH6528.

Also listed as a scheduled ancient monument.

<6> Donald Insall Associates Ltd, 2024, Stone Lock Cottage, Beeston Brook, Tilston, Cheshire: Heritage, Design and Access Statement, R4824, p.8 (Client Report). SCH9744.

The stretch of canal around Beeston Brook follows the line of the River Gowy, running through a gap between the higher ground of Delamere Forest to the north and the Peckforton Hills (including Beeston Castle) to the south. In the 1820s there were structural problems at Beeston Lock, caused by the poor sandy ground conditions. Evidence suggests that a short flight of two locks collapsed, leading to the construction of the innovative “Iron Lock” at Beeston in 1827, and possibly (although disputed) to realignment of the canal between Beeston Iron Lock and Beeston Stone Lock.