Trent And Mersey Canal Aston Lock And Aston Lock Bridge

Aston Lock and Aston Lock Bridge is a lock, gates, leat, and canal bridge built in 1770 by engineer James Brindley, with later rebuilding. The lock features a red brick chamber, which is partly rebuilt in blue brick, and has stone and concrete copings. It includes metal and wooden gates, and the bridge is made of red brick with stone dressings. The chamber is approximately 12 feet deep and has been largely rebuilt on the west side. Small metal bollards are located on either side, and there are 20th-century steps leading to the center on the east side. Both sets of gates have wooden frames with metal plates, metal balance beams weighted with concrete, and concrete semi-circles, along with brick steps on either side. The southern gates are equipped with rack and pinion paddle mechanisms and iron handrails, while the northern gates utilize barrel gearing. The leat runs along the west side of the chamber. The bridge at the north end features a single segmental brick arch supported by tapering stone and blue brick jambs. The north side has a stone keyblock inscribed with 'JB 1770'. The plain parapets above have chamfered stone copings, and the walls curve outward at each end, finishing in square piers. A small 20th-century metal bridge is attached to the south side of the bridge. This structure was built as part of the Trent and Mersey Canal.