Pocklington Canal Top Lock and Canal Head

The Top Lock and canal head form part of the Pocklington Canal, constructed around 1818 and designed by George Leather Jnr. The canal was built in the 19th century to transport agricultural goods from the East Riding to urban centres.

The lock chamber has parallel sides, splayed at each end beyond the gates and stepped at the lower end. The basin, approximately 200 metres long, has straight sides which widen above the lock and narrow to a shoulder shape at the far end. Evidence of former stone setts has been found in some areas; these may have been associated with previous warehousing along the basin. The lock gates, alongside the manual and hydraulic gearing mechanism, have been restored to a traditional design.

The canal’s construction followed the passing of a parliamentary Bill in 1814 and cost £32,695. Originally, coal, lime, fertiliser, and industrial goods were brought to Pocklington, while agricultural produce was sent to the West Riding. After 1847, when the canal was sold to the York and North Midland Railway, trade declined, and the canal ceased to be used for commercial transport in 1932. Ownership later passed to British Waterways, and in 1969, the Pocklington Canal Amenity Society was formed, responsible for restoring sections of the canal. The Top Lock area formerly contained more buildings but was restored in 2001. The canal remains navigable to Melbourne, though full restoration is not planned. The lock and basin are designated Grade II for their pre-1840 date, their design by George Leather, and the fact that the principal structure remains largely intact, with restoration revealing the original brick and stone and re-establishing the lock's design to traditional methods.