Rochdale Canal Lock Number 2 At West End Of Old Causeway, Sowerby Bridge

Lock Number 2 on the Rochdale Canal, located at the west end of Old Causeway in Sowerby Bridge, was built around 1798 for the Rochdale Canal Company. The lock is constructed from large blocks of coursed squared stone, featuring quoins and an upper course with drafted margins. Some wooden lining at the base is still visible. The upper end of the lock has a shelf and recesses on either side for lock gates, which have been removed, along with iron buffers attached to the top of the rounded entrance walls. Each lock gate recess includes a culvert entrance. At the lower end of the lock, there are recesses for additional lock gates that have also been removed, and slightly higher up, there is another set of recesses for a second pair of gates. For more information on canal construction and the double-gate lock system, refer to Lock Number 1.