Trent And Mersey Canal Swarkestone Lock And Bridge

The Swarkestone Lock and Bridge, built in 1770 by engineer James Brindley, is a lock chamber, gates, leat, and bridge associated with the Trent and Mersey Canal. The lock chamber is constructed of red brick, with some areas rebuilt in blue brick, and features stone copings and stone quoins. It is approximately 12 feet deep and has small iron bollards along the sides, with steps located on the south side. Wooden gates are positioned at either end, equipped with metal and concrete balance beams and metal handrails on top. The western gates utilize rack and pinion paddle mechanisms, while the eastern gates have barrel gearing for the paddles. Each gate is accompanied by 20th-century concrete semi-circles and brick steps on either side. To the west of the lock, there are two additional barrel gearing mechanisms. At the eastern end of the lock is a bridge featuring a single segmental arch on tapering jambs, with plain brick parapets that curve outward at each end, topped by chamfered stone copings. A small 20th-century metal bridge is attached to the west side of the main bridge. The leat runs along the north side of the lock and returns after the bridge.