BASINGSTOKE CANAL PHOTO GUIDE

SCOTLAND BRIDGE - WOODHAM TOP LOCK

Lock no.2 follows Scotland Bridge, as seen here with one of the canal's workboats. Most locks now have their number set in a stone block as part of the restoration. But originally, there were no numbers at all. The bridges, even though they have a name, or more than one name, also have identification in the form of circular plaques.

Lock no.2

The location is the same, the lock the same - even the tree by both boats is the same. The difference is 21 years apart. This is lock 2 in April 1981 (below.) A walk along the canal revealed a fascinating row upon row of houseboat of similar style all the way to the bottom of the Woodham locks. They were virtually all painted white, except this one here (and one or two others) which was done in red. They consisted of narrow boat hulls with superstructures built on top, and provided a cheper means of owning a home in the expensive 'stockbroker' belt that lay south and west of London. Everytime I stayed with friends in Woking it gave an opportunity to take pictures of the Basingstoke Canal as it then existed between 1977 and 1981, and pictures were taken at many locations between here and Basing village - almost into Basingstoke itself. Before the canal reopened, many houseboats had to pass a certificate of fitness, and a very high number failed. These were broken, or burned up. Just a handful of the original houseboats still exist, and one or two further ones lie sunken, their superstructures gone.

Lock no.3 is the most picturesque lock on the Woodham flight, with its former lock cottage (below.) There is a footpath to nearby West Byfleet station. An information board and map can be seen here. The footbridge across the lock (upper image) is slightly different to the others, in that it is not hump backed - obviously the amount of pedestrian traffic here has warranted a more conventional, robust, design. For comparision, a picture taken back in 1981 by lock 3 at Woodham shows the difference between a derelict canal and one that is well looked after. Many of the Basingstoke's lock balance beams were once redundant telegraph poles - a situation that still exists at some locks on the nearby River Wey. The two ladies were busy discussing some matter, but I dont think it was related to canal restoration! One could see the lock keepers cottage properly then, but lets face it, the ivy's great and makes the present scene at Woodham no.3 a very picturesque one.

    
Lock no.3 in October 2002 - and (right) before restoration 21 years earlier


A winter time view of the lock-house without its 'camouflage'

Notice of a common type found at all lock flights on the canal

    
No.6, top of the Woodham locks.

BASINGSTOKE CANAL PHOTO GUIDE:

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