Conquering the Cascades: A Journey Along the Leeds & Liverpool Canal from Bridge 199 to the Magnificent Bingley Five Rise Locks

There's something uniquely captivating about the slow, steady pace of canal life. The gentle ripple of water, the vibrant green of the towpath, and the intricate dance of engineering that allows boats to traverse varied landscapes. Recently, I embarked on a photographic journey along a fascinating stretch of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, culminating in a visit to one of its most iconic features: the Bingley Five Rise Locks.

The Leeds & Liverpool Canal is an incredible feat of 18th-century engineering, a 127-mile artery that weaves its way across the rugged Pennines, connecting the industrial heartlands of Leeds with the bustling port city of Liverpool. Along its impressive length, it brushes past a tapestry of famous northern towns – from Bramley and Shipley to Skipton and Wigan, each with its own story to tell.

My particular exploration focused on a short but historically significant section near Bingley, West Yorkshire. This stretch, from Bridge 199 to the foot of the famed Five Rise Locks, holds a special place in the canal's history. It was part of the very first phase of the canal to be completed in 1773, extending from near the top of the locks to Skipton. The locks themselves followed swiftly, opening in 1774, when the canal had been extended to Shipley.

The images I captured on July 9, 2016, with my trusty Nikon D3300 SLR, reveal the tranquil beauty and industrious spirit of this waterway. The early set of photographs showcases the peaceful canal between Bridge 199 and the Five Rise Locks Cafe. Here, the water reflects the verdant trees, and the occasional narrowboat, adorned in its traditional colours, adds to the serene picture. Wildlife thrives in this environment; ducks glide gracefully across the water, their movements undisturbed by passing walkers or cyclists on the towpath. Even a stately swan can be seen surveying its domain. The distant silhouette of an old mill with its towering chimney serves as a poignant reminder of the canal's original purpose – to transport goods and fuel the Industrial Revolution.

But the real showstopper, the engineering marvel that truly captures the imagination, is the Bingley Five Rise Locks. This isn't just a set of locks; it's a "staircase lock," an astonishing series of five interconnected chambers that lift or lower boats a staggering 59.2 feet over a mere 320 feet. This makes them the steepest flight of locks in the entire United Kingdom!

Navigating these locks is no simple task. Their complex nature necessitates a full-time lock keeper, a testament to the skill and precision required to manage the water levels and guide boats through this intricate ascent or descent. The sheer volume of water that rushes from one chamber to the next creates a mesmerizing cascade, a powerful demonstration of hydraulic engineering in action. The photographs looking down into the open lock gates, with water pouring over the wooden structures, truly convey the scale and power involved.

Given their age and vital role, the Bingley Five Rise Locks require constant attention and maintenance. It's common for them to close during the quieter winter months, allowing essential repairs and upkeep to take place, ensuring they remain operational for generations to come.

The historical significance of these locks cannot be overstated. They were granted Grade I listed status on August 9, 1966, recognizing their architectural and engineering importance. Their grand opening on March 21, 1774, was a momentous occasion, reportedly drawing a crowd of over 30,000 people eager to witness this incredible feat of human ingenuity. Legend has it that the very first boat to successfully navigate the locks took a mere 28 minutes – a testament to the careful planning and execution of their design.

Standing at the bottom of the locks, looking up at the imposing stone walls and the ladder-like progression of the chambers, or gazing down from the top as a boat begins its descent, one can't help but feel a profound sense of awe. The Bingley Five Rise Locks are more than just a functional part of the canal; they are a living monument to human ambition, innovation, and the enduring legacy of Britain's industrial past.

Whether you're a canal enthusiast, a history buff, or simply looking for a picturesque stroll, a visit to the Leeds & Liverpool Canal and the magnificent Bingley Five Rise Locks is an experience not to be missed. It's a journey back in time, a chance to appreciate the power of engineering, and an opportunity to connect with the tranquil beauty of the British countryside.

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Bridge 199 carries Micklethwaite Lane across the canal.

The Five Rise Locks Cafe, the locks are behind the
position I am stood.

The top lock looking down across all 5 to the bottom. There is a bridge
across each lock and the depth of each is approx 50 - 60ft.

Each lock has a overflow like the one seen here to the bottom left
of the picture. This helps control the water levels when boats enter.

I took this to give some idea of how deep each lock is.

The bottom of the locks looking towards the top, the channel to the
right helps to remove the excess water from each lock
via the overflow.

Taken looking away from the bottom lock along the Leeds - Liverpool
Canal in the direction of Leeds. The Bingley Three Rise Locks are just
a short distance beyond the far end of the picture.

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St. Paul's, Denholme: A Silent Sentinel Overlooking the Worth Valley

Nestled on a hillside overlooking the charming town of Denholme, West Yorkshire, stands the imposing yet melancholic shell of St. Paul's Church. A testament to Victorian ambition and a poignant reminder of shifting demographics, this Grade II listed building, consecrated in 1846, now exists in a state of quiet redundancy, its story etched in weathered stone and silent stained glass.

A Victorian Vision: Origins and Architecture

St. Paul's was erected during a period of rapid industrial expansion in the Worth Valley. Denholme, like many surrounding towns, experienced a surge in population, necessitating the construction of new places of worship. The church, designed in the Gothic Revival style, reflects the prevailing architectural tastes of the mid-19th century. Its construction speaks of the era's commitment to creating grand, spiritually uplifting structures.

Key architectural features that warrant attention include:

• Materials: The church is constructed from locally sourced stone, a hallmark of Yorkshire architecture. This material not only provides durability but also lends a sense of continuity with the surrounding landscape.
• Gothic Revival Elements: Observe the pointed arch windows, the intricate stone tracery, and the (now likely deteriorating) stained glass. These elements are quintessential to the Gothic Revival, a style that sought to evoke the grandeur of medieval cathedrals.
• Tower and Spire: The church's tower, once a prominent landmark, likely featured a spire, which is a common feature in parish churches of this period. (If the spire is no longer present, this fact should be noted with possible reasons why.)
• Plan and Layout: Research the original floor plan. Was it a traditional nave and chancel layout? Were there any notable features within the interior, such as a gallery, a specific type of pulpit, or particular stained glass windows? (This would be where online photos would be a great resource to cite.)

Decline and Redundancy: A Reflection of Changing Times

St. Paul's served its community for over 150 years, witnessing generations of baptisms, marriages, and funerals. However, by the late 20th century, the church faced dwindling congregations, a common trend in many rural areas.

• The church's closure in June 1997, due to structural and safety concerns, marked a significant turning point. The final service within its walls was a poignant moment, signaling the end of an era.
• The farewell service held in the new graveyard on September 5, 1999, further emphasized the church's redundancy, highlighting the community's shift towards alternative places of worship or changing religious practices.
• The fact that the church became a private residence is a common solution for redundant churches. This shows the difficulty in maintaining such large structures.

Current Status: A Private Residence and Grounds

As noted, St. Paul's has since been converted into a private residence. This transformation presents a unique situation, blending historical preservation with contemporary living.

• It is crucial to emphasize that there is no public access to the interior of the building. The current owners have a right to privacy, and any attempts to enter the property without permission would be a trespass.
• While the grounds may be accessible for those wishing to visit loved ones buried in the graveyard, it is imperative to contact the owners beforehand to ascertain the current access policy. Do not assume that public access is granted.
• The fact that the building has become a private residence, does give it a chance of survival, where otherwise it may have fallen into total disrepair.

 I took these pictures in July 2016 with a Nikon d3300 camera, clicking any image below should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

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