Bedwyn Church Lock

Bedwyn Church Lock is a lock on the Kennet and Avon Canal at Great Bedwyn in Wiltshire. The canal was built between 1718 and 1723 under engineer John Hore from Newbury. It rises or falls two and a half metres here, allowing boats to move along the waterway. The lock is listed at Grade II, recognising its historical importance. British Waterways manages the canal and its structures. The lock is worth the journey because it shows early 18th-century engineering on a working waterway. John Hore supervised its construction as part of a larger canal project. The lock’s Grade II listing means it is officially recognised for its special interest. It sits within a quiet village setting, away from busy roads. Visitors can watch narrowboats pass through the chamber. Inside the lock, boats rise or fall between two sets of gates. The brickwork and stonework show the careful building methods of the period. The surrounding area is flat farmland with gentle hills in the distance. A towpath runs alongside for walkers to follow the canal. The lock sits near Great Bedwyn’s church, adding to the peaceful scene.