Building record 3143/0/3 - Upper Wellingborough Guillotine Gate Lock

{1} There are three guillotine lock gates on the River Nene at Upper Wellingborough (SP899622), Lower Wellingborough (SP908672) and Higham Ferrers (SP955701). These were recorded in detail prior to their demolition in November 2001. The guillotine locks were constructed in the 1930’s as part of a wider scheme to improve the navigability of the River Nene. The gates are being replaced with more traditional mitre pointing doors on health and safety grounds. The demolition works were subject to a watching brief in 2001.

{2} Upper Wellingborough Guillotine Lock Gate is one of three almost identical structures. A detailed description of this structure also reflects the other two, with any differences described and illustrated separately. The settings and surrounding topography varied considerably, but operation of the gates is the same.
The lock is constructed with a substantial but simple H-girder frame forming the housing in which the lock gate itself is operated. That above ground is more than 6m high x 5.4m wide, with the side girders extending down into the lock chamber a further 4.2m to the base of the lock. The steels were made by Dolman Long & Co. Ltd, Middlesborough. The gate has been clearly keyed into the existing brick-lined lock structure.
The lock gate fits snugly to provide a watertight seal, but normally rests in the up position against a stop plate. A large iron or steel counterweight rests on a level with the base of the door when it is in the up position. It appears to be cast in one piece and bears the inscription GLENFIELD. A cast iron name plate UPPER WELLINGBOROUGH adorns the northern face of the lock, but was absent from the south face.
More detail of the construction of the lock and its operation is given.

<1> Thorne A., 2002, SMR Report Form, (checked) (Notes). SNN102197.

<2> Thorne A., 2001, Report on Building Recording, Desktop Survey and Watching Brief on the Nene Guillotine Lock Gates, (part checked) (Report). SNN102495.

Record last edited

Feb 18 2015 12:45PM