Locking Through Adderley

Picturing the Past: NarrowBoat, Summer 2023

Another selection of images from the Jack Parkinson Collection show traffic passing Adderley Locks on the Shropshire Union in 1965

Jack Parkinson encountered a pair of loaded working boats ascending Adderley Locks in 1965. Having just left Lock 12, the motor Lindsay – under the command of Ken Nixon – passes Jack’s cabin cruiser Grey Dove, with what looks like a good supply of fuel aboard, judging by the four large Esso cans on the stern deck. Jack took this photo from Mulliner’s Bridge 71 with Hawksmoor Bridge 72 in the distance, which is, fortunately, painted white to make it clear on a dull day. The crew of Lindsay’s butty have already closed the top gate and have wound up the bottom gate paddles to drain the lock.Having ascended Lock 11, the motor Lindsay is making its own way out while Ken winds up the bottom gate paddle. He would then have to briskly walk towards the motor, drop the top ground paddles, and shut the top gate behind the motor. The point of him winding up the bottom gate paddle is to allow the lock to drain ready for the butty following behind. He can then proceed o…