100
Woodward’s Br. (Crosslanes), SU106897;
Visited: 16.5.59; 12.9.59; 3.9.61; 3.6.62; 27.8.62; 16.8.64; 3.6.83;
Access: - ;
Photograph Nos.: 110, 111, 424, 425, 463;
Observations: Line clearly visible (illegible) N; containing some water, but much overgrown. Crosslanes Lock Cottage altered somewhat, v. little trace of lock.*
(3.6.62). Line N completely filled for abt. 400 yd, new recent filling.
S. line overgrown, but visible. (16.8.64) no change.
*3.6.62 Some evidence that lock chamber still exists, with concrete dams [?] and cont’g some water.
100 Woodward’s Br. (Crosslanes), SU106897; Visited: 16.5.59; 12.9.59; 3.9.61; 3.6.62; 27.8.62; 16.8.64; 3.6.83; Access: - ; Photograph Nos.: 110, 111, 424, 425, 463; Observations: Line clearly visible (illegible) N; containing some water, but much overgrown. Crosslanes Lock Cottage altered somewhat, v. little trace of lock.* (3.6.62). Line N completely filled for abt. 400 yd, new recent filling. S. line overgrown, but visible. (16.8.64) no change. *3.6.62 Some evidence that lock chamber still exists, with concrete dams [?] and cont’g some water.
101
16. Pry Lock, SU109885;
Visited: 3.9.61; 3.6.62; 27.8.62; 30.8.62;
Access: - ;
Photograph Nos: 464, 465, 506, 515, 514;
Observations: Some lock remains seen, viz. top part of E chamber walling (brick no gates; chamber more or less rubbish-filled, and no line left above or below (old fill), not overgrown at all. Cottage opp. Lock, other side of road. (3.6.62) empty. (30.8.62) unoccupied for conversion, caravan in garden? But still v. dilapidated. Lock rems. nearly gone now; line can be followed abt. ½ m SE from P. Basin, hard track used by rubbish disposers, ending in large dump, beyond wall, line assumes usual overgrown nature bet. hedges.
101 16. Pry Lock, SU109885; Visited: 3.9.61; 3.6.62; 27.8.62; 30.8.62; Access: - ; Photograph Nos: 464, 465, 506, 515, 514; Observations: Some lock remains seen, viz. top part of E chamber walling (brick no gates; chamber more or less rubbish-filled, and no line left above or below (old fill), not overgrown at all. Cottage opp. Lock, other side of road. (3.6.62) empty. (30.8.62) unoccupied for conversion, caravan in garden? But still v. dilapidated. Lock rems. nearly gone now; line can be followed abt. ½ m SE from P. Basin, hard track used by rubbish disposers, ending in large dump, beyond wall, line assumes usual overgrown nature bet. hedges.
102
17. Aqueduct (River Ray), SU114878;
Visited: 2.6.62;
Access: Gate to old TP at Elborough Br.;
Photograph Nos.: 466;
Observations: Very good 3-arch brick built
(low arches qua Brindley) app level C abt. 10’ above R, & v. good state of presentation. I called this ‘Brennel’ Aqueduct after nearest farm.
102 17. Aqueduct (River Ray), SU114878; Visited: 2.6.62; Access: Gate to old TP at Elborough Br.; Photograph Nos.: 466; Observations: Very good 3-arch brick built (low arches qua Brindley) app level C abt. 10’ above R, & v. good state of presentation. I called this ‘Brennel’ Aqueduct after nearest farm.
103
18. Moredon Bridge (?), SU122873;
Visited: 3.6.62; 16.8.64;
Access: - ;
Photograph Nos.: - ;
Observations: C level here fairly high (see Section Notes), & road rising over Moredon Hill; therefore fairly high Br. probable, line aspect indicates Br. may have been slewed slightly. No traces Br. work left. Short part of line visible to E of crossing, where vanishes into M & S W J Rly embankment, & then Moredon Power Station. (Presumably all Moredon Locks lines obliterated).
103 18. Moredon Bridge (?), SU122873; Visited: 3.6.62; 16.8.64; Access: - ; Photograph Nos.: - ; Observations: C level here fairly high (see Section Notes), & road rising over Moredon Hill; therefore fairly high Br. probable, line aspect indicates Br. may have been slewed slightly. No traces Br. work left. Short part of line visible to E of crossing, where vanishes into M & S W J Rly embankment, & then Moredon Power Station. (Presumably all Moredon Locks lines obliterated).
104
Moredon Br. to Swindon Junction;
Visited: 3.6.61; 2.6.62; 27.8.62;
Photograph Nos.: 501, 502, 384, 382, 380, 381;
Observations: (owing to virtual absence of recognisable features and/or reference points, this section is described generally). Line at Moredon swings app 90 degrees to S. Power Sta. has obliterated locks, &c, * but line can be picked up to the S of P.Sta., as fairly wide grass lane (filled) between hedges. Proceeding S, after abt. ½ m, line becomes more distinct, as overgrown
(aquatic plants) bed, w. TP on W side; some traces of water existing in places. Line eventually vanishes in filling for “Trading Estate” developments. Re-appears as vague trace with small hedge & FP running SW across open space from Rodbourne Road to Harcourt
104 Moredon Br. to Swindon Junction; Visited: 3.6.61; 2.6.62; 27.8.62; Photograph Nos.: 501, 502, 384, 382, 380, 381; Observations: (owing to virtual absence of recognisable features and/or reference points, this section is described generally). Line at Moredon swings app 90 degrees to S. Power Sta. has obliterated locks, &c, * but line can be picked up to the S of P.Sta., as fairly wide grass lane (filled) between hedges. Proceeding S, after abt. ½ m, line becomes more distinct, as overgrown (aquatic plants) bed, w. TP on W side; some traces of water existing in places. Line eventually vanishes in filling for “Trading Estate” developments. Re-appears as vague trace with small hedge & FP running SW across open space from Rodbourne Road to Harcourt
105
Rd; at latter point a distinct hump probably representing site of old Br.; Line seems to disappear under site of largest gasholder (there was a lock here), w. no trace whatever of locks/cottages which once existed in vicinity. At some point further S (before reaching Rly) line merges into the “Cycle Track” – a made-up paved path running between boundary walls of Rly Works - & continues to Station Rd (S/don), Crossing Stn. Rd., line site is occupied by a fenced-in builder’s storage yard (J Webb), with FP alongside, for abt. 150 yd, then crosses Fleet St. and via Car Park Entrance to Junction (now Car Park site). [* (27.8.62: Rems. of M/don top lock found, inside P.Sta. gate to S; Bot. Lk. Site just inside gates (see Sk.Map page 108)
site of bottom lock just inside gates at A. Small hedged enclosure at B may have been lock cottage site. No trace to be seen. Top lock is filled w. earth, &c, and a hard track runs on S line; but parapet of E wall just left visible & some masonry]
105 Rd; at latter point a distinct hump probably representing site of old Br.; Line seems to disappear under site of largest gasholder (there was a lock here), w. no trace whatever of locks/cottages which once existed in vicinity. At some point further S (before reaching Rly) line merges into the “Cycle Track” – a made-up paved path running between boundary walls of Rly Works - & continues to Station Rd (S/don), Crossing Stn. Rd., line site is occupied by a fenced-in builder’s storage yard (J Webb), with FP alongside, for abt. 150 yd, then crosses Fleet St. and via Car Park Entrance to Junction (now Car Park site). [* (27.8.62: Rems. of M/don top lock found, inside P.Sta. gate to S; Bot. Lk. Site just inside gates (see Sk.Map page 108) site of bottom lock just inside gates at A. Small hedged enclosure at B may have been lock cottage site. No trace to be seen. Top lock is filled w. earth, &c, and a hard track runs on S line; but parapet of E wall just left visible & some masonry]
106
Special Notes &c on Section V (based on 1961-1962 observations: June 62)
1. Traceability. Generally fairly good away from built-up districts. Swindon portions (q.v.) obliterated; but owing to use as public right-of-way, it can be followed fairly easily. Line accessible at most crossings elsewhere.
2. Condition. Not excessively over-grown between S/don and Cricklade; rather more so towards Latton. V. good in Moredon Hill area s of Power Station.
3. Characteristics: Locking tended to concentrate in groups, viz. Swindon & Moredon, with single locks well spaced-out between these places. Fall to Latton. Heavy shelf-and-bank work round S side Moulden Hill; deep approach cutting to S. ent. C/lade Tl; otherwise most construction seems to have been relatively easy (c.f. cost less than estimate! Vide Canals of Southern England pp 158-160), also see Nos. 4: 5 : 17 re Tunnel & Ray
106 Special Notes &c on Section V (based on 1961-1962 observations: June 62) 1. Traceability. Generally fairly good away from built-up districts. Swindon portions (q.v.) obliterated; but owing to use as public right-of-way, it can be followed fairly easily. Line accessible at most crossings elsewhere. 2. Condition. Not excessively over-grown between S/don and Cricklade; rather more so towards Latton. V. good in Moredon Hill area s of Power Station. 3. Characteristics: Locking tended to concentrate in groups, viz. Swindon & Moredon, with single locks well spaced-out between these places. Fall to Latton. Heavy shelf-and-bank work round S side Moulden Hill; deep approach cutting to S. ent. C/lade Tl; otherwise most construction seems to have been relatively easy (c.f. cost less than estimate! Vide Canals of Southern England pp 158-160), also see Nos. 4: 5 : 17 re Tunnel & Ray
107
(Sept 89) Cd find no trace of the 2 Aqueducts between Latton and Cricklade.
aqueduct.
4. Locks. Of 12 on this line, only 4 can be certainly located; viz. Latton?, Hayes Knoll, Pry, Crosslanes; and of these, only Pry and Hayes Knoll sufficiently to see actual masonry vestiges. The site of Moredon Lock can be conjectured from TP walk.
5. Bridges. Only remaining in occupation crossing at Farfield Lane (No. 10 q.v.), rest either were wood or brick (poss. Moredon & various in Swindon; no traces left except road humps (c.f. Dance Bridge) or fill across line.
6. Buildings. Wharf group at Chelworth well preserved; lock cottages at Latton, Hayes Knoll, (possibly) Crosslanes, & Pry, possibly also Wharf cottages at Pry Basin.
107 (Sept 89) Cd find no trace of the 2 Aqueducts between Latton and Cricklade. aqueduct. 4. Locks. Of 12 on this line, only 4 can be certainly located; viz. Latton?, Hayes Knoll, Pry, Crosslanes; and of these, only Pry and Hayes Knoll sufficiently to see actual masonry vestiges. The site of Moredon Lock can be conjectured from TP walk. 5. Bridges. Only remaining in occupation crossing at Farfield Lane (No. 10 q.v.), rest either were wood or brick (poss. Moredon & various in Swindon; no traces left except road humps (c.f. Dance Bridge) or fill across line. 6. Buildings. Wharf group at Chelworth well preserved; lock cottages at Latton, Hayes Knoll, (possibly) Crosslanes, & Pry, possibly also Wharf cottages at Pry Basin.
108
site of bottom lock just inside gates at A. Small hedged enclosure at B may have been lock cottage site. No trace to be seen. Top lock is filled w. earth, &c, and a hard track runs on S line; but parapet of E wall just left visible & some masonry. (see p )
108 site of bottom lock just inside gates at A. Small hedged enclosure at B may have been lock cottage site. No trace to be seen. Top lock is filled w. earth, &c, and a hard track runs on S line; but parapet of E wall just left visible & some masonry. (see p )
109
8 Dance Bridge Br, observations 17.8.63.
Line extended NE for some distance; immediately above Br., crosses small stream on single arch aqueduct, line here banked to about 10’, but filled in for several hundred yards to s.
(16.8.64) at + is now paved concrete approach from road, with iron gate & notice about tipping rubbish, which is apparently proceeding systematically along line in Cricklade direction.
109 8 Dance Bridge Br, observations 17.8.63. Line extended NE for some distance; immediately above Br., crosses small stream on single arch aqueduct, line here banked to about 10’, but filled in for several hundred yards to s. (16.8.64) at + is now paved concrete approach from road, with iron gate & notice about tipping rubbish, which is apparently proceeding systematically along line in Cricklade direction.
110
Section VI: Chaddington Lock to Stanley Junction.
1. Occ. Crossing (Lower Woodshaw) SU085818.
Visited 30.8.62.
Access – thro' Lower Woodshaw Fm (permission).
Photograph Nos. 523.
Observations: Originally brick arch
O/line bridge, now collapsed in centre, much is replaced by some 6” RSJs, with old sleepers laid across (see sketch below). Line to E. rather diminished, and overgrown to W. No water, but reedy growths. No parapets to Br.
110 Section VI: Chaddington Lock to Stanley Junction. 1. Occ. Crossing (Lower Woodshaw) SU085818. Visited 30.8.62. Access – thro' Lower Woodshaw Fm (permission). Photograph Nos. 523. Observations: Originally brick arch O/line bridge, now collapsed in centre, much is replaced by some 6” RSJs, with old sleepers laid across (see sketch below). Line to E. rather diminished, and overgrown to W. No water, but reedy growths. No parapets to Br.
111
2. B4041 Crossing (Wootton Bassett) SU070817.
Visited 14.9.59, 1.9.62.
Access: road.
Photograph Nos. 231, 525.
Observations: Bridge levelled, filled & railed. Line E abt. 20 yd. Vague depression in land, hen obliterated by row of back gardens. Line W better – about 50 yd filled as garden beside Inn, then onward bet. Hedge growth, etc. Some water seen in this. Characteristic small Inn (“Bridge”) on L. bank to NW of Br., P 1959, but 1962 some renovations apparent.
111 2. B4041 Crossing (Wootton Bassett) SU070817. Visited 14.9.59, 1.9.62. Access: road. Photograph Nos. 231, 525. Observations: Bridge levelled, filled & railed. Line E abt. 20 yd. Vague depression in land, hen obliterated by row of back gardens. Line W better – about 50 yd filled as garden beside Inn, then onward bet. Hedge growth, etc. Some water seen in this. Characteristic small Inn (“Bridge”) on L. bank to NW of Br., P 1959, but 1962 some renovations apparent.
112
3. Dunnington Fm. Crossing & Locks. SU064-7:815.
Visited 1.9.62.
Access FP from W.B.Stn. Yard.
Photograph Nos. 526, 527, 528, 533, 534, 529.
Observations: (a) Top lock not overgrown; no masonry, but shape & fall of lock clearly visible, 2 main bottom gate posts remain. Line E. clear back to hedges (see 2) w. shallow water & aquatic plants. (b) Crossing (1887 TRICKLES BR.) filled & humped: line v. clear but dry w. hedges to W. Good original lock cottage to N.E. Of crossing. (c) Bottom Lock v. overgrown, but 2 lock gate posts seen among growth,with masonry fragments about. Line fairly clear to W. From (a) to (c) and on to 4, line embanked 4' – 6' above fields.
112 3. Dunnington Fm. Crossing & Locks. SU064-7:815. Visited 1.9.62. Access FP from W.B.Stn. Yard. Photograph Nos. 526, 527, 528, 533, 534, 529. Observations: (a) Top lock not overgrown; no masonry, but shape & fall of lock clearly visible, 2 main bottom gate posts remain. Line E. clear back to hedges (see 2) w. shallow water & aquatic plants. (b) Crossing (1887 TRICKLES BR.) filled & humped: line v. clear but dry w. hedges to W. Good original lock cottage to N.E. Of crossing. (c) Bottom Lock v. overgrown, but 2 lock gate posts seen among growth,with masonry fragments about. Line fairly clear to W. From (a) to (c) and on to 4, line embanked 4' – 6' above fields.
113
4. Dunnington Aqueduct. SU063815.
Visited 1.9.62.
Access: from (3) along line W.
Photograph Nos. 530, 351, 532.
Observations: fine single arch over brook; brick const; v. deep curved wing walls. C. line abt 30' above stream; v. overgrown both sides. Large & impressive embankment works either side of crossing – poss. Biggest single engineering work on whole line.
113 4. Dunnington Aqueduct. SU063815. Visited 1.9.62. Access: from (3) along line W. Photograph Nos. 530, 351, 532. Observations: fine single arch over brook; brick const; v. deep curved wing walls. C. line abt 30' above stream; v. overgrown both sides. Large & impressive embankment works either side of crossing – poss. Biggest single engineering work on whole line.
114
5. Road Crossing (Greenhill Comm. Fm.) SU057815.
Visited 1.9.62, 27.4.63, 16.5.65.
Access: off A420.
Photograph Nos. 535.
Observations: Crossing filled & levelled; was prob. Brick Br, abt 15' above line at this point. Line E. v. open to (4) & a little water; line W. fairly clear, running in fairly deep cutting over-shadowed by trees. [NB. Material from this may have gone to (4)]. (16.5.65) abt. 100 yd of line E. filled to road level. Traces of brickwork visible at W. side of road.
114 5. Road Crossing (Greenhill Comm. Fm.) SU057815. Visited 1.9.62, 27.4.63, 16.5.65. Access: off A420. Photograph Nos. 535. Observations: Crossing filled & levelled; was prob. Brick Br, abt 15' above line at this point. Line E. v. open to (4) & a little water; line W. fairly clear, running in fairly deep cutting over-shadowed by trees. [NB. Material from this may have gone to (4)]. (16.5.65) abt. 100 yd of line E. filled to road level. Traces of brickwork visible at W. side of road.