Leeds And Liverpool Canal Five Rise Locks With Overflow Channel

The Five Rise Locks with overflow channel on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal were constructed around 1773 by John Longbottom. They feature large dressed stone retaining walls with rebates for gates. The first lock has widely splayed sloping walls on either side, while the other locks have ramped walls leading to curved platforms that are accessed by a flight of 15 stone steps on both sides. Each lock has overflow channels that issue at right angles, spilling into a wider sloping channel that flows into the canal at a lower level to the right of the first lock.

The canal was authorized by an Act of 1768 and was planned by James Brindley. This section was built by local masons and remains in virtually unaltered condition. These locks, including the 3, 2, and 1 Rise Locks, raise boats to a height of 120 feet and are considered one of the most significant flights of locks in the country, with the Five Rise Locks being one of the greatest engineering feats of the canal age.