This is Waylon, the 1st broadbeam barge to pass through the new deep lock at Sowerby Bridge on 5.5.96 for the official opening. It took a party of vips to a civic reception in Hebden Bridge. It is here passing Corporation Mill in Sowerby Bridge.
3rd May, 1996. Celebrating the re-opening of the Rochdale Canal through Sowerby Bridge with the construction of Tuel Lane Lock, now the deepest inland waterway lock in the UK at 19ft 8½inches, connecting to the Calder & Hebble Navigation.
Tuel Lane Lock was built in 1996 as part of the canal's restoration, and replaces two previous locks, locks 3 and 4, from the original canal system. With a fall of 19 feet 8.5 inches (6 m), it is the deepest lock in the United Kingdom. The official…