Leeds And Liverpool Canal Flight Of 13 Locks And Bridges

The Leeds and Liverpool Canal features a flight of 13 locks and bridges, built in 1816. This structure is made of stone with timber or iron gates, and it includes ground paddles that are operated by levers, a distinctive characteristic of this canal. Each lock is marked with a number in Roman numerals on a sunk panel at the lower end on the south side, such as "L No. I".

The bridges have elliptical arches made of rusticated voussoirs and keys, flanked by the date, with flat bands over and end piers and parapets. Lock No. I is located next to the lock keeper's cottage on Withington Lane. The top gates of the locks are made of iron, while the bottom gates are timber. The platform features granite setts and steps leading to the towpath, along with a timber footbridge.

Bridge No. 58 is adjacent to the locks, but its arch has been replaced with concrete beams. Lock No. II includes an overflow channel, timber gates, abutments with steps to the lower end of the platform, and a timber footbridge. Bridge No. 57 remains intact. Lock No. III has iron gates, an overflow channel, and a footbridge. Lock No. IV features iron gates, an overflow channel, and lower end abutments, along with a footbridge. Lock No. V has iron upper gates and timber lower gates, with Bridge No. 56 adjoining and remaining complete.

Lock No. VI includes an overflow channel, wood upper and iron lower gates, and a timber footbridge. Lock No. VII has timber upper and iron lower gates, a culverted overflow, an iron footbridge, and ordinary ground paddles. Lock No. VIII features iron gates, a culvert overflow, and a footbridge. Lock No. IX has iron gates, an overflow channel with abutments and steps, and a timber footbridge, along with ordinary ground paddles. Lock No. X includes timber upper and iron lower gates, a timber bridge, and an overflow channel. Lock No. XI has timber upper and iron lower gates, an overflow channel, and a timber footbridge. Lock No. XII features timber upper and iron lower gates, an overflow channel, and a timber footbridge. Finally, Lock No. XIII has iron gates and an overflow channel, with Bridge No. 55 adjoining, its arch replaced by a timber bridge. Locks No. 5 to 13 and Bridges No. 55 and 56 are situated in Ince-in-Makerfield Urban District.