Bingley Five Rise Locks - 250 Year Celebration
Photographic Opportunity
On 23rd March 2024, an event to celebrate 250 years of the iconic Bingley Five Rise and Three Rise Lock is being held by the Canal and River Trust. Full details about the event can be found at the bottom of this post. But what makes Bingley Five Rise Locks so special? Here is some information about the history of the locks.
Exploring the Bingley Five Rise Locks: A Water Staircase Wonder
Nestled in the picturesque town of Bingley, West Yorkshire, UK, the home of Bingley Camera Club, lies a remarkable feat of engineering: the Bingley Five Rise Locks. Aptly named for their unique design that resembles a watery staircase, these locks have been captivating visitors for centuries with their fascinating history and impressive features.
A staircase of water
Imagine a staircase where each step is replaced by a chamber of water, and you'll have a good picture of the Bingley Five Rise Locks. Boats navigating through these locks are lifted or lowered in five distinct stages, with each chamber's lower gate forming the upper gate of the chamber below. Unlike traditional locks, there are no intermediate "ponds" between the locks, making this design truly exceptional.
Key Features
Steepest Flight of Locks: The gradient of the Bingley Five Rise Locks is approximately 1:5, resulting in a remarkable rise of 59 feet 2 inches (18.03 meters) over a mere distance of 320 feet (98 meters).
Wide Chambers: Given the broadness of the Leeds Liverpool Canal, the lock chambers are slightly more than 14 feet (4.3 meters) wide, providing ample space for boats to maneuver.
Tallest Gates: Among their many accolades, the intermediate and bottom gates of the Bingley Five Rise Locks stand as the tallest in the country, adding to their grandeur.
Overflow Waterfall: Even when the locks are not in operation, an overflow waterfall cascades down the side, ensuring water levels are maintained.
Historical Significances
Opening Date: March 21, 1774 marked the official opening of the Bingley Five Rise Locks, a significant engineering achievement of its time.
Celebration: The inaugural trip through the locks drew a crowd of 30,000 people, celebrating the completion of the canal section from Gargrave to Thackley, with the journey taking a mere 28 minutes.
Leeds Intelligencer: The event was vividly described in the pages of the Leeds Intelligencer, capturing the excitement and significance of the moment.
Barry Whitelock: The Iconic Lock Keeper:
For nearly three decades, Barry Whitelock served as the guardian of the Bingley Five Rise Locks, becoming synonymous with this iconic flight. His dedication and expertise earned him an MBE in 2007 for his "Services to Inland Waterways in the North." Barry's retirement in 2017 marked the end of an era, leaving behind a legacy as the country's longest-serving lock keeper.
Tourism and Maintenance:
Beyond their engineering marvel, the Bingley Five Rise Locks serve as a major tourist attraction, drawing visitors from far and wide to witness boats navigating this impressive flight. Extensive restoration efforts in 2004 and 2006 ensured the locks' continued operation, with a full-time lock keeper on duty to assist boaters and maintain safety.
Conclusion:
The Bingley Five Rise Locks stand as a testament to human ingenuity and perseverance, offering a glimpse into our rich canal heritage. Whether you're a history enthusiast, engineering buff, or simply seeking a unique day out, be sure to add this remarkable waterway staircase to your itinerary. Join the ranks of gongoozlers—those curious onlookers— and witness firsthand the timeless allure of the Bingley Five Rise Locks. After all, these locks aren't just about moving boats; they're about moving hearts and minds through time and space.