HUDDERSFIELD NARROW CANAL
LOCKS
 Locks
are the means of raising a boat from one level to another. They
consist of two sets of gates enclosing a central chamber. On the
Huddersfield Narrow Canal this chamber measures 70ft (21.3m) in
length and 7ft (2.1 m) in width. At the head of the lock is a single
gate, while at the tail end there are two mitred gates, shaped to
fit together in a V shape pointing upstream.
Lock gates cannot be opened until the water levels on both
sides of the gates are equal. This is effected by the use
of paddle mechanisms. Water can be let into the chamber by
raising the ground paddle adjoining the head gate, and released
by raising the gate paddles in the tail gates. The paddles
are raised or lowered using a portable handle or windlass
which fits onto the winding mechanism. As soon as the water
levels are equal, the pressure is taken off the gates, and
they can then be opened to allow a boat through.
Adjacent to each lock is a bywash to draw off excess water
in the canal and, prevent it spilling over the head gates
into the lock chamber.
As the canal is being restored, lock chambers are being rebuilt,
and fitted with new gates. The gate and ground paddles are
now operated by modern hydraulic machinery. A requirement
of British Waterways that has been very controversial, as
many boaters dislike the gearing because of its appearance,
and because they feel it less reliable than the old fashioned
mechanical gearing. British Waterways are re‑assessing
their views on the old fashioned gear, and it is possible
that, in future, when hydraulic gearing needs replacing, a
modified form of the traditional gearing may be fitted in
its place.
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