Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Thorne Lock is one of only two locks on the canal
.
To the north and south respectively are Thorne Waste and Hatfield Chase, former marshes,
the largest and most diverse lowland peat area in northern Europe, now mostly cut commer-
cially but still a habitat for rare plants and birds.
The Old River Don is crossed, now no more than a drainage ditch, for which it would be
hard to guess the original line. The diversion to the current line was undertaken by Vermuy-
den in 1625, resulting in the name Dutch River.
The canal avoids Crowle with its Georgian houses. Its church has a large chancel, a
clerestory and a 2.1 m Saxon carved stone, believed to represent King Oswald and his son,
Oswry. The Regal Motor Museum is housed in a former cinema. It has cars and motorcycles
of 1902-1930 and a Flying Flea aircraft of 1936.
Approaching Keadby, there is a minor swing bridge and then the railway makes an oblique
crossing on the Vazon sliding bridge designed in 1926. The heavy girder structure rolls side-
ways, taking the track with it. As it closes, the track moves back to its position. Accompanied
by assorted rumblings and clicks, the track is pulled down some 100mm into place and rods
slide into position to lock everything together. This is a marvellous piece of machinery to
watch in operation, something that does not happen frequently.
Keadby Lock is a two-way structure because the River Trent, on to which it opens, is tidal.
The river has streams that may exceed 11km/h and has an eagre on equinoctial spring tides.
Although the lock length is limited, longer boats can pass through when the Trent and the
canal are at the same level so that all gates can be opened for clear passage through.
Also seen from the lock is the King George V Bridge over the Trent above Althorpe. Built
in 1916, it carries the railway and the A18. It was the Great Central Railway's largest bridge
