Compton Lock, by-weir and Bridge 60

Compton Lock, along with its by-weir and Bridge 60, is a lock structure dating from the 18th century, demonstrating group value. The lock chamber and tail bridge are constructed of weathered orange brick with blue brick and ashlar dressings, while the timber gates are fitted with balance beams hinged from concrete collar blocks.

The lock chamber has a rectangular plan with splayed flanking walls at either end. At the head of the chamber is a top gate equipped with a single gate paddle, flanked by paddle posts controlling water flow through culverts. A curved stone cill beneath the gate rests on a scalloped brick base. Two mitred lower gates, each with a gate paddle and balance beams, are also present, with a modern brick-paved ginny ring provided. A tubular metal water depth gauge is attached to the western wall of the chamber, with several secondary timber and cast iron bollards remaining on either side.

The top pound narrows rapidly on the eastern side of the lock’s approach, featuring a brick flanking wall and a cast-iron rubbing strake. Opposite, a brick-lined overflow culvert leads to a circular ‘morning glory’ by-weir constructed of brick with sandstone capping stones. The by-weir’s central drain has a modern grill and is protected by a low brick parapet wall. A rectangular concrete spill weir sits between the brick-lined culvert and the short flanking wall leading to the top gate. Slots exist within the top gate’s splayed flanking walls for a temporary timber coffer dam. The lower flanking walls display slightly differing splay angles; the eastern wall has old brick coping and a cast iron rubbing strake, whereas the western wall was rebuilt and paved in 1986 using blue brick.

The tail bridge is integrated into the lock's structure, directly above the tail of the chamber. The northern side of the bridge has a low parapet wall with stone end blocks, while the southern elevation is battered and includes some secondary brick patching on the eastern side. The three-centre brick arch has ashlar jambs, springers, and a drip mould. The wall face rises vertically above the arch to form the bottom parapet, featuring large semi-circular blue brick coping stones, some replaced with sandstone. The original carriage way, which provided access to a demolished lock keeper’s cottage, has been partially re-laid in brick paving. A concrete date stone set into the paving reads "Rebuilt 1986 British Waterways Board". The western end of the bottom parapet curves down to a set of steps leading to the bottom pound. A re-built retaining wall supports the towpath as it descends, and the spill weir culvert emerges from within the canal wall.