Lock, Lock Gates and Swing-Bridge, Forming Large Lock, Vale Royal

The lock, lock gates, and swing bridge forming the Large Lock at Vale Royal were built around 1890. Constructed from red sandstone and limestone ashlar, the structure features wooden lock gates and a wood and iron swing bridge. The lock is rectangular and includes three sets of two lock gates, with the swing bridge located slightly south of the center. The red sandstone walls are accented with slightly projecting limestone ashlar bands and quoins on the sides of the lock gates. The swing bridge has a platform made of wooden planks and a balustrade made of steel beams. Each lock gate is operated by a Pelton water turbine mechanism, which opens the gates, and there are water levelling mechanisms along with mechanically controlled jets of water to clean debris from behind the gates. The lock gates are equipped with walkways on top, featuring tubular steel handrails. The design allows the lock to accommodate one barge hauling three in line when the central gates are open.