Walsham Gates, Wey Navigation, UK
Posted by: 
vw_k
N 51° 18.569 W 000° 29.700
30U E 674590 N 5687221
Set of lock gates and wier on the Wey Navigation canal.
Waymark Code: WM4X4E
Location: United Kingdom
Date Posted: 10/08/2008
Views: 17
Walsham Gates are the last of the original turf-sided locks opened in 1653 that were common along the full length of the Wey Navigation, and is not a lock in the traditional sense. The gates are only operated as a flood lock to force water over the weir when water levels become too high so are both usually left open. During times of flood boats still had to operate, the change in water level for boats passing through the lock at these times would only be about one inch, but this involved operating the lock none the less. The lock also retains the square structure that was wide enough to accommodate the big barges before the introduction of narrowboats.
A lock-keepers cottage was originally built here in 1653 but the present house dates from 1896.
The weir forms a large pool here and the co-ordinates are for an operational vertical roller sited on the spur between the weir and the Navigation to guide the towrope away from the hazard enabling the horse to keep the vessel away from the weir.
Waterway Name: Wey Navigation
Connected Points:
Links Godalming to the River Thames at Weybridge.
Type: Other
Date Opened: 01/01/1653
Elevation Difference (meters): .00
Site Status: Operational
Web Site: [Web Link]
Date Closed (if applicable): Not listed
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