Aire And Calder Navigation, Selby Canal, Selby Lock

The Selby Lock on the Aire and Calder Navigation, built between 1775 and 1778, was engineered by William Jessop, with John Gott as the resident engineer and John and James Pinkerton as contractors. The lock features massive ashlar kerbstones and retaining walls that are splayed at either end, along with iron bollards and mooring irons. It has two wooden lock gates and a cast iron paddle mechanism that is embossed with "John Sturge and Co. Bowling Iron Works. Aire and Calder Navigation 1828." The construction of the Selby Canal began in 1775, and it was officially opened on 29 April 1778. Although John Smeaton was initially involved with the project, he delegated the surveying work to his assistant, William Jessop, who later gained recognition for his role in the Grand Junction Canal.