Nestled near the heart of Todmorden, adjacent to the Golden Lion Bridge (Bridge 30), lies Lock 19 on the Rochdale Canal. This distinctive lock, often referred to as Todmorden Lock or even Library Lock, holds a fascinating secret: it's a guillotine lock.
What makes it a guillotine lock? Unlike traditional canal locks with swinging gates, the eastern gates of Lock 19 were replaced with a guillotine mechanism. This unusual modification was necessary due to their close proximity to the bridge, making conventional gates impractical.
Here are some glimpses of this unique piece of engineering:
The first three pictures, captured on July 11, 2020, showcase the lock in recent times. You can see the intricate workings of the guillotine gate and its seamless integration with the surrounding canal architecture.
For a different perspective, an additional image from November 9, 2013, offers a view eastwards, clearly illustrating the guillotine lock and the adjacent bridge. It's a testament to the enduring presence of this historical waterway feature.
Lock 19 is more than just a functional part of the Rochdale Canal; it's a small but significant piece of engineering history, reflecting the adaptive solutions employed to navigate the challenges of canal construction. Next time you're in Todmorden, take a moment to appreciate this unique lock!
The following picture is the November 2013 image of the lock, it was taken using a Samsung Galaxy tablet,
