Survey Data
Reg No
15401109
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Architectural, Technical
Original Use
Lock
In Use As
Lock
Date
1805 - 1815
Coordinates
232054, 257878
Date Recorded
05/11/2004
Date Updated
--/--/--
Description
Canal lock, built c.1810, consisting of pair of (restored) timber and steel breast gates with timber footboards, tail gates and balance beams. Set within ashlar limestone lock channel. Located adjacent to Balroe Bridge and associated lock keeper's house (south).
Appraisal
An attractive and well-built canal lock that forms part of an important group of structures associated with the Royal Canal in Westmeath. The quality of the ashlar limestone construction of the lock walls and of the associated machinery is indicative of the grandiose ambitions of the Royal Canal Company during the early part of the nineteenth century. This lock, along with the lock keeper's house and canal, have been designed and constructed with a high level of expertise indicating the importance of their role in the past and remains an important element of the architectural and industrial heritage of Westmeath.