15/07/2012 |
| Click on a photo to see it full size in a new browser window There is an entrance basin which leads via a bascule bridge to the main dock. This basin also served as a lock for larger ships entering the docks. A closer view of the bascule bridge mirrored in the still water of a July Sunday morning.
The smaller entrance lock, this isn't used at present as there is a risk of salt water getting into the Bridgwater & Taunton Canal which is used to transport Bridgwater's water supply. There are plans to put a barrage of some sort across the River Parrett further down stream which could remove this problem and enable boats to pass through here again.
The lock gates for "big ships", not used since the docks closed to commercial shipping in the early '60s the right hand one shows how much this entrance has silted up.
A view of part of the main dock with its variety of canal craft. The large building behind is a former warehouse that has been converted to a pub with flats over.
The lock leading to the Bridgwater & Taunton Canal with a pair of swans passing in front of it.
From the other side you can see that this lock is left open at both ends, the level of the canal being the same as the level that the docks are maintained at.
Peggotytom passing through the lock to start her day's work doing cruises on the canal further up. While leisure activities are the only use of the docks and canal now Bridgwater used to be a busy port, there is still some cargo handled down river at Dunball Wharf.
Peggotytom heading off up the canal, on the right is Bowring's animal feed mill, the last commercial activity remaining around the docks.
Bowring's feed mill can be seen again in the background of this photo of the docks with a variety of craft moored up.
A bit of complicated manoeuvring in the docks was eventually completed with the aid of some muscle power on the end of a rope.
Two last views of some of the boats moored in the docks, at present the only place they can go is up the canal to Taunton but maybe they'll be able to venture on to the Parrett is a barrage is built.
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This site was last updated 15/07/2012
Photos not otherwise credited are ©2001-2012 S G J Huddy. Other photos are included with permission of the copyright holders.