Plaque marks Bingley Five Rise Lock's historic role

[Josher]

Well deserved ...

 

Plaque marks Bingley Five Rise Lock's historic role 15:03 GMT, Thursday, 16 December 2010 BBC

 

 

The plaque at Bingley Five Rise Locks was unveiled at a special ceremony

 

A plaque has been unveiled at Bingley's Five Rise Locks marking the site as one of the most important in the history of British transport. The Transport Trust's "Red Wheel" plaque recognises the Five Rise Locks as the steepest of its kind in Britain. The plaque is the first to be awarded to any historic location in Yorkshire.

 

Judy Jones from British Waterways said: "Bingley Five Rise Locks are a major engineering achievement and an iconic site even after all these years." The plaque has been unveiled on the old lock keeper's hut by the side of the locks. The locks form what's known as a "staircase" flight where the lower gate of one lock forms the upper gate of the next.

 

The 18th century engineering masterpiece is unique in being the only Grade 1 listed structure on the Leeds-Liverpool canal and was designed by John Longbotham from Halifax, its first engineer. The Five Rise Locks at Bingley are the steepest in Britain. Over 200 years later the flight is still in daily use providing access to 16 miles of lock-free cruising on the Leeds-Liverpool canal. Judy Jones, heritage advisor for British Waterways North, said: "We are really pleased that it is being recognised by the Transport Trust. "The first boats went through the locks during the opening ceremony in 1774 - when thousands gathered to watch the first boats make the 60 ft descent - and it is great that so many people still use these locks each year."

 

The wording on the plaque reads: "Bingley 'Five Rise' Locks: Opened in 1774 to raise the Leeds-Liverpool Canal 18 metres up the Aire Valley, this is the steepest lock staircase in Britain." The Red Wheel plaque is only awarded to sites which have played a key role in developing Britain's transport network, ranging from Roman roads and early tramways to seaplane and hovercraft bases. The plaques are the brainchild of the Transport Trust, the only national charity established to promote and encourage the preservation and restoration of Britain's unique transport heritage in all its forms.

 

Rob Shorland-Ball, vice chairman of the Transport Trust, said: "Britain has an outstanding transport heritage but it is too little known and appreciated. "Bingley Five Rise is a great example and we are delighted to be presenting the first Yorkshire Red Wheel to these locks."

[Josher]

First a plaque - now a £50,000 'study' ...

 

Experts awarded £50,000 to put Bingley Five Rise Locks at centre of tourism campaign

 

8:50am Tuesday 15th February 2011 Telegraph and Argus

 

The Five Rise Locks at Bingley

 

Heritage conservation experts are set to highlight Bingley’s Five and Three Rise Locks as a site of regional and national importance after securing a £50,000 grant. A study will be carried out into the 237-year-old grade I and II-listed structures, which attract 300,000 tourists each year. Consultant Marion Blockley is working with British Water-ways, Bradford Council and the Airedale Waterways Partner-ship to prepare an activity plan to encourage tourists. She said: “British Waterways have some funding and they want to use it to make the Five and Three Rise Locks more interesting to visitors. “We are looking to create interest in the whole stretch of canal, through Saltaire and Dowley Gap into Bingley, and to do that we need to explain to people why the Five and Three Rise Locks are so significant.”

 

As part of the study, Bingley residents are being asked what events and activities they would like to see at the locks to explain their importance.

[Pluto]

Well deserved ...

 

Plaque marks Bingley Five Rise Lock's historic role 15:03 GMT, Thursday, 16 December 2010 BBC

 

 

The plaque at Bingley Five Rise Locks was unveiled at a special ceremony

 

That's me on the other side of the plaque to Barry.

[canaldrifter]

Does this mean the Fiverise might get some attention and a lick of paint again, then? It was leaking like a sieve, with Defra rash around a footbridge and unworkable paddlegear last year.

 

It looked neglected.

 

Tone

Edited February 15, 2011 by canaldrifter

[Matthew Dowson]

Barry's the smoothest operator on the Cut, you never get bounced about when he's in charge, gently does it and safety first. I traverse it so frequently that it occasionally feels like a chore, but its a breathtaking piece of canal engineering, as long as the suns shining.

[Josher]

Bingley landmarks could be used in film to promote tourism ...

 

8:50am Friday 18th February 2011 Telegraph & Argus for Video

 

 

The rich history of the famous Five Rise and Three Rise locks in Bingley could soon be chronicled in an animated film for use in schools. Heritage consultant Marion Blockley and British Waterways are spearheading a study of the Grade I and II listed structures on the Leeds Liverpool Canal at Bingley, to promote them as an attraction for tourists and historians.

 

As part of the project, Mrs Blockley has been in discussions with the National Media Museum over plans to create the animation to show school pupils what life on the canal was like in the past. Memories and old pictures provided by the public could form part of any future activities to highlight the importance of the canal.

 

There will be a display of historic photographs at Bingley Market on Friday, March 11, and Saturday, March 12. Anyone who has stories or photos to share, or who wants to get involved in the project, should e-mail: marion@marionblockley.co.uk