Welcome to the Delph Nine Locks. Count the locks… there are only eight!
History
Delph locks form part of Dudley Number 1 canal. When they were built in 1779 there were nine locks which curved to the left (when looking down the flight) around the hill side.
The land around the canal was mined extensively which led to a large amount of subsidence. The problem was so severe that in 1858 the flight of locks was re-built in a straight line.
The top and bottom locks (locks 1 and 9) were left in their original 1779 position and the middle seven locks were replaced by six new locks creating the straight line seen today.
Some remains of the original 1779 flight can still be seen. If you follow the path past the pound you will find the original 1779 second lock. Look at the water line and the brick work (some of which has been restored). You can see how much the lock has subsided.
The stable block, now a grade 2 listed building, was built to attend to the horses toward the end of the 19th century.
Then and now photos of the 1858 flight. The grooves made by the towing rope can be seen on the roving bridge today. Have a look and see if you can find them.
As a last puzzle, this is a photo of one of the lower locks. Can you see the steps next to the bypass weir? Look at the locks further up the hill. What happens to the steps?
Even after the flight of locks was re-built, subsidence was still an issue near the top locks. This has led to the disappearance of the lock steps.
Please remember the following water safety:
Potential Dangers:
- Low Temperatures – suddenly falling into cold water can cause the body to go into shock.
- Reeds and Plant Life – these can get tangled around limbs.
- Hidden dangers under the water that might trap your feet or cause injury.
- Depth perception – it might be much shallower or deeper than you think.
- Canals are untreated water and may contain pollution, chemical contaminants or waterborne diseases.
How to stay safe on the canal:
- Plan your route – think about where you want to go and how long you want to be out for.
- Take a friend – it is safer to walk with others.
- Slow down – the colder it gets, the greater the likelihood of icy and slippery surfaces underfoot. It’s easier to stay safe, spot potential hazards and avoid accidents near water when you reduce your speed.
- Tell someone where you are going – in case you are out for much longer than you say, you can be found more easily.
- Stay away from the edge - although you may be able to see the edge of the towpath even in the snow, it may be slippery.
- Check the weather – look at the forecast and see what's coming your way.
- Wear the right clothing – waterproofs, sturdy footwear, warm layers can all help your body cope with the wintry conditions.
- Take your phone (or even a whistle) – if you get into trouble, or see somebody else in trouble, you can call or whistle for help.
- Teach children not to go on the ice – it's important for children not to go on the ice under any circumstances.
- Try to keep to well-lit areas - time your walks to make the most of the daylight; if you need to walk in the evening only use well-lit areas or take a route away from water.
- Keep dogs on their leads – keep dogs on their leads when near ice and don't throw sticks or toys onto the ice.
References
- Johnson, R.W., Delph Locks Conservation Area, Dudley Metropolitan Borough Planning Department.
- The Dudley and Stourbridge Canals, A Bi-Centenary Commemorative Booklet, Lapel Publication.
- Collins, P., 2011, Black Country Canals, The History Press.