Distance: 0.9 mile Click on an image to view a larger version of the picture in a separate window. The file size of the larger version is given in brackets after the caption. For more pictures of this part of the Navigation see the gallery. |
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Proceeding south, the towing path swaps from the west to the east bank at the road bridge in Kiln Lane, Brambridge. After a short distance, the river and Navigation approach each other although they do not join. The two flow side by side for nearly a quarter of a mile with the towing path separating them.
 Brambridge Bridge from downstream 13.04.2003 (108.8k) |
 Site of Brambridge Single Gates from downstream 13.04.2003 (93.9k) |
The second half-lock on the Navigation, Brambridge Single Gates, is reached about 200 yards from Kiln Lane. It is marked by a constriction in the canal's banks and some of the brickwork can be seen but no weir has been inserted to replace the gates. As at Shawford, it is believed that this structure's original purpose was to retain water levels for a mill that drew water from the Navigation, but all sign of any Brambridge Mill has disappeared.
 Looking downstream from near Brambridge Single Gates 13.04.2003 (110.8k) |
 Between the Navigation (on the left) and the River Itchen 13.04.2003 (194.8k) |
At the point where the main river and canal part company are some modern hatches discharging surplus water from the Navigation. A short distance south of these hatches, the waterway begins to run on top of an embankment for over quarter of a mile. This feature, although not very conspicuous, is the biggest earthwork encountered along the Navigation. At its greatest height, this embankment is about 5 or 6 feet high. Whilst not as high as the London to Southampton railway embankment a little way to the west, it was a considerable feat of engineering for the early 18th century. The towing path along here is in reasonably good condition. However, in April 2003, the water was overflowing the offside bank in four or five places - there is a serious danger that the embankment could breach and damage the waterway. Apart from the presence of the railway, this stretch is quite remote.
 Navigation running atop its embankment 13.04.2003 (192.8k) |
 The embankment carrying the Navigation above the water meadows 13.04.2003 (233.7k) |
At the southern end of this stretch lies Allbrook Lock. This structure is quite different from the locks encountered elsewhere on this Navigation being constructed in the late 1830's to replace the original lock obliterated by the construction of the railway. It is constructed in the more normal manner entirely of brick and until recently was in reasonably good condition. A weir that is used to measure the flow of water in the Navigation now replaces the top gates but the anchors in the stonework that secured the gates are still present. A few years ago, the water authority installed a fish ladder in the lock chamber and in the process caused considerable damage to the wall on the west side of the chamber although this seems to have been re-instated satisfactorily. Allbrook Bridge, carrying the main road from Eastleigh to Twyford, has been reconstructed and encroaches upon the tail of the lock.
 Head of Allbrook Lock showing weir used for water flow measurement 13.04.2003 (184.6k) |
 Chamber of Allbrook Lock seen from the road bridge 13.04.2003 (87.2k) |
To continue south along the waterway, pedestrians have to cross the main road. Great care should be exercised as the road bends quite sharply as it crosses the Navigation and passes under the railway. The Victoria public house can be found just the other side of the railway bridge but in April 2003 this was boarded up and seems to have closed (it remains closed in November 2003).
More pictures of this section of the Navigation.
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Send your comments to the Web Site manager (Peter Oates) Text © Southampton Canal Society 1999 - 2003. Page created 15 June 1999 - last updated 9 May 2004. |
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