Canal charity launches fundraiser to help rebuild historic Tardebigge Top Lock

Built in 1815, we’re inviting the public to help repair and restore the Grade II Listed Tardebigge Top Lock, part of the longest flight of locks in the UK, after one of its historic 210-year-old brick-built walls bowed and was at risk of collapse.

The restoration of the lock is needed to ensure this important piece of canal heritage is protected and for the continued safe passage of boats as well as for the thousands of walkers and cyclists who use the towpath and marvel at the locks each year.

Salvaging the historic lock

Having been in active service transporting boats for over 200 years, movement in the ground adjacent to the lock caused one of its walls to bow meaning the lock and towpath have been closed since March. Specialist conservation teams, archaeologists and engineers have drained the lock of water and have been working to carefully dismantle the damaged section of wall. The team has been focusing on cleaning and salvaging the original historic bricks so they can be reused as part of the restoration and ensure the lock’s historic character is preserved.

Opened in 1815, the Tardebigge flight of locks carries the Worcester & Birmingham Canal 220 feet uphill over two-and-a-quarter miles. With 30 locks the Top Lock is particularly deep because it was the site of an 18th century experimental vertical boat lift before it was replaced with a conventional lock. The canal was originally used as transportation of porcelain pots and Cadbury’s chocolate, and is now popular with leisure boats, cutting into the heart of Birmingham at Gas Street Basin.

Help us fund the repairs

We’re aiming to raise £10,000 to help towards the cost of these vital restoration works. Support from the public will go directly towards the work needed to carefully remove and clean the historic bricks as well as purchasing new bricks and the materials needed to rebuild the lock walls.

Emily Harris, senior project manager, said: “Tardebigge Locks is our longest canal lock flight and is a popular route for boaters and people wanting to explore their local canal. As a charity it’s a privilege to maintain these centuries old canals and locks and to keep them working for everyone to enjoy. The materials, skills and expertise required doesn’t come cheap and we’re asking people to help us fund these repairs and keep our amazing canal network open.

“Our canals are a national treasure.  They matter not only to the local communities but to everyone else as well – because canals enhance the natural environment, they help to mitigate climate change, and they are integral to our future water security and supply. Emergency works like these at Tardebigge Lock highlight how vulnerable they can be, and how important it is that they are properly protected.

“All the donations to this crowdfunder will be gratefully received and will make a difference to this important stretch of canal.”