Monument record 298/1/2 - Bunbury Locks, Bridge and Stables

<1> Ashmore, O, 1982, The Industrial Archaeology of North West England, p.31-2 (Book). SCH3181.

Bunbury Locks were built as part of the Chester Canal (now Shropshire Union Canal) between 1775-1779. There are two locks in staircase, with brick side walls and masonry coping. There are gate paddles on middle and lower gates and ground paddles on upper gates. A two-storey brick-built lock cottage is located adjacent to the locks on the on northern side, as is the overflow wier. The southernside of thee locks has a single storey brick stable building, with seven stable doors, along the towpath. To the west of the stables is a two-storey brick built warehouse.

<2> Ordnance Survey, 1870-1982, Ordnance Survey Archaeological Record Card, 1981 SJ55 NE 12 (Index). SCH2487.

<3> English Heritage, Various, Schedule Entry (Scheduled Ancient Monuments Amendment), 1006766 (Scheduling Record). SCH2950.

Two Lock staircase. Late Eighteenth century with later alterations. Brick and stone chambers with stone copings. Double gates, the top and middle pairs of steel, with mechanical ground padle gearings. Wooden bottom gates with mechanical gate paddle gearings. Middle and bottom gates have Twentieth century concrete footbridges adjoining. Two sets of brick steps down from upper chamber, fist set of stone steps down from lower chamber to ramped brick towpath. Brick paving on off side of upper chamber. Brick and concrete heel grip platforms. The locks form part of an important group of canal buildings.

<4> English Heritage, 2005, List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest, 351228 (Digital Archive). SCH4666.

Stable block now a boat building workshop. Mid nineteenth century with Twentieth century alterations. Brick with plain tile roof with six Twentieth century ventilators. Single storey, twenty bays, consisting sevendoorways with plank stable doors, each flanked by single four light windows. All openings are cambered arched and have stone sills. Doors have stone mountings for hinges and catches. Large Twentieth century retractable door in south east gable end wall.

<5> English Heritage, 2005, List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest, 351232 (Digital Archive). SCH4666.

Road bridge over canal. Late Eighteenth century with later alterations. Brick with stone copings. Single skew arch with ring band. Solid humped parapet. Brick paved towpath with stone coping beneath arch.

<6> English Heritage, 2005, List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest (Digital Archive). SCH4666.

Lock cottage. Mid Nineteenth century with Twentieth century alterations. Brick with slate roof with two gable stacks. Dentilled eaves cornice. Two storeys, the upper storey rendered. Three bays. Symmetrical. Twentieth century doorway and door flanked by Twentieth century single canted bay windows. Above, three four light casement windows with cambered arches. Single storey extension to rear.

<7> Various, Written Communication to the HER, Lynch, K 05/02/2015 (Written Communication). SCH3756.

The cill bumper plate appeared to have been installed to protect boats from impact against the lock cill and at the same time protect the masonry from damage. Interestingly, the holding straps at the sides are railway track and may have been installed during the railway era when the canal was operated by the Shropshire Union Canal and Railways Company and later the London and Great Western Railway.