Monument record 10101/0/1 - Beeston Stone Lock

<1> Historic England, 2011, The National Heritage List for England, 1160260 (Web Site). SCH6528.

Shropshire Union Canal, Beeston Stone Lock, Grade II Listed Canal Lock c1772. Sandstone ashlar with wooden gates. Rectangular lock with ashlar walls and pairs of wooden lock gates to either end.

<2> 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” (CHER 298/1/3) at Beeston in 1827, and possibly (although disputed) to realignment of the canal between Beeston Iron Lock and Beeston Stone Lock.

Beeston Stone Lock is constructed in impressively massive sandstone blocks, with substantial timber gates. It has associated features such as large stone slabs over the sweeping spillway, bollards and ridged brick paving (providing grip when operating the gates). This appears to be a well preserved and typical example of a lock, broadly similar to other listed locks on this part of the canal such as the stone lock at Tilstone, while others are constructed in brick or a mix of brick and stone. Associated canalside buildings include Stone Lock Cottage located on the north-east bank of the lock and The Linksman's Cottage, a grade II listed circular hut which lies to the south-west of the lock.