Bingley Five Rise Locks

In the charming town of Bingley, nestled in the heart of West Yorkshire, lies one of the most remarkable feats of engineering on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal – the Bingley Five Rise Locks. This impressive staircase lock system is a marvel of 18th-century engineering and continues to draw visitors from all over the world who come to witness its grandeur and functionality.

The Structure of Bingley Five Rise Locks

The Bingley Five Rise Locks are not just any ordinary locks; they are the steepest flight of locks in the United Kingdom. This remarkable structure consists of five locks, ingeniously connected without intermediate ponds. Essentially, the lower gate of each chamber forms the upper gate of the chamber below, creating a seamless and efficient system. The entire structure comprises five chambers and six gates, with each gate consisting of two half-gates that close in a V shape, pointing upstream. This design ensures that water pressure keeps the gates tightly closed until the water levels on either side are equal, allowing boats to pass through smoothly.

The locks are a part of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, a wide canal with chambers slightly more than 14 feet wide. The Bingley Five Rise Locks boast a gradient of about 1:5, lifting or lowering boats by an impressive 59 feet 2 inches over a distance of 320 feet. The intermediate and bottom gates are the tallest in the country, adding to the awe-inspiring nature of this engineering marvel.

A Historical Feat

The Bingley Five Rise Locks opened on March 21, 1774, and were considered a major feat of engineering at the time. The opening of the locks and the canal from Gargrave to Thackley was a momentous occasion, attracting a crowd of 30,000 people who gathered to celebrate this remarkable achievement. The first boat to pass through the locks took just 28 minutes, a testament to the efficiency and ingenuity of the design. The Leeds Intelligencer documented this historic event, capturing the excitement and significance of the occasion.

The smaller Bingley Three Rise Locks, located just a few hundred yards downstream, opened at the same time, further enhancing the canal's functionality and accessibility. Together, these locks played a crucial role in the development of the region's waterways and transportation system.

A Modern-Day Attraction

Today, the Bingley Five Rise Locks are not only a functional part of the canal system but also a popular tourist attraction. Visitors flock to the site to witness boats navigating the locks, often attracting a crowd of curious onlookers, affectionately known as gongoozlers. The sight of boats being lifted or lowered through the five stages is a captivating experience, offering a glimpse into the ingenuity of 18th-century engineering.

To ensure the smooth operation of the locks and the safety of boaters, a full-time lock keeper is employed. The locks are padlocked out of hours to prevent unauthorized access, and the presence of an experienced lock keeper ensures that even inexperienced boaters can navigate the locks safely. Barry Whitelock, a lock keeper who worked at the Bingley Five Rise Locks for nearly 30 years, became closely associated with the flight and was awarded an MBE in the 2007 New Year Honours List for his services to inland waterways in the North. Barry retired in 2017 as the country's longest-serving lock keeper, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and expertise.

Maintenance and Restoration

Maintaining a structure as complex and historic as the Bingley Five Rise Locks requires ongoing effort and attention. The locks have undergone extensive restoration and maintenance over the years to ensure their continued functionality and preservation. In 2004 and 2006, the lock gates and paddles were replaced as part of a comprehensive restoration effort. As expected with such an engineering marvel, regular maintenance is essential, and the locks are often included in British Waterways' list of winter stoppages for maintenance.

In January 2012, the locks were drained to allow for the installation of new lock gates. These new gates, made of English green oak, weigh more than 5 tonnes when combined with the balance beam. The use of traditional materials and techniques in the restoration process ensures that the locks retain their historical integrity while remaining functional for modern use.

A Grade I Listed Structure

The Bingley Five Rise Locks are not only a functional part of the canal system but also a protected historical structure. The locks have been designated as a Grade I listed building, recognizing their historical and architectural significance. This designation ensures that the locks are preserved for future generations to appreciate and enjoy.

Whether you're a history enthusiast, an engineering aficionado, or simply someone looking for a unique and picturesque day out, the Bingley Five Rise Locks offer a fascinating glimpse into the past and a testament to human ingenuity. As you stand by the locks, watching boats navigate the five stages, you'll be transported back in time, marveling at the skill and vision that brought this remarkable structure to life. So, the next time you find yourself in West Yorkshire, make sure to visit the Bingley Five Rise Locks and experience this extraordinary piece of history for yourself.