Lock Keepers

Based on the ledger and journal records from 1810 to 1817, the following individuals served as lock keepers at various locations along the Wilts & Berks Canal:

• Semington Lock: William Egelton served as both a collector and lock keeper from 1810.
• Melksham Lock: Edward Webb from 1811.
• Lacock Lock: Charles Pettifor, while his role often involved masonry and repairs, he was consistently paid lock-keeping wages.
• Pewsham Forest Locks: William Hiskins from 1810.
• Stanley Locks: James Hood from 1810.
• Calne Branch: Charles Messitor from 1810.
• Foxham: William Seymour from 1811.
• Dauntsey Lock: Joseph and John Hopkins (J. J. Hopkins) (1811-1816). In November 1816, Mary Carter took over lock-keeping duties.
• Seven (7) Locks: Adam Twine from 1810.
• Dunnington Locks: Henry Sellwood from 1810.
• West End of Head Level: David Greenman served here until his death in early 1814. He was succeeded by Jane (Jenny) Greenman, likely his daughter or widow.
• Marston Locks: John Theobald served as both the collector and lock keeper from 1810.
• Longcot Lock: Several individuals managed this lock in succession: James Herbage (1811), Henry Davies (1811–1813), Edward Hill (1811–1813) and Elizabeth Large, who served from 1813.
• Grove Locks: John Carter was the keeper in 1810 before moving to Longcot. He was succeeded by John Brown.
• Ardington Lock: Thomas Newe from 1810.
• Tithe Barn Lock: William Carter (1813-1814).

Toll Collectors

• Semington: John Theobalds c1824 and William Egelton served as the primary collectors.
• Marston: John Theobalds (1810-1812)
• Latton: Mr. Kinneir collected tolls at the junction with the North Wilts Branch.
• Abingdon: John Prince was responsible for receiving and settling full tolls from traders, while Edward Miller managed gauging and toll enforcement at the wharf.

Wharfingers

The following individuals served as wharfingers or managed operations (such as collecting wharfage and managing warehouses) at specific locations along the canal:

• Melksham Wharf:
  • Daniel Mulcock: Served as the wharfinger at Melksham, where he was responsible for the wharf and surrounding ground.
• Lacock Wharf:
  • Thomas Jefferies: Served as the wharfinger at Lacock.
• Swindon Wharf:
  • John Theobald: Acted as the manager for Swindon Wharf, collecting income from the warehouse room, weighing engine, and crane.
• Longcot Wharf:
  • Edward Hill: Managed Longcot Wharf, where he collected fees for wharfage and weighing coal.
  • John Carter: Identified as the wharfinger at Longcot, receiving payments for wharfage and weighing services.
  • Mr Johnson: Served as a wharfinger at Longcot, though he faced committee charges regarding his conduct as an agent.
• Uffington Wharf:
  • Thomas Willis: Paid rent for the Uffington Wharf
• Wantage Wharf:
  • Samuel Plumbe: Served as the wharfinger at Wantage, managing wharfage collections and the weighing engine.
• Abingdon Wharf:
  • William Wheeler: Managed the wharf and received wages for his service there.
  • John Prince: Recorded as collecting wharfage, cranage, and weighing fees at Abingdon.
  • John Payne: Served at Abingdon Wharf and was paid wages for his time there.

Wharfs that are not on the Wilts & Berks Canal

• Abingdon - Navigation Wharf (formerly Sills's):
  • Stephen Sosby: Managed the Navigation Wharf at Abingdon and was responsible for its repairs and wharfage collections.
• Bristol Wharf (Templebacks):
  • Thomas Howe: Managed the warehouse at Bristol (Templebacks), overseeing disbursements, repairs to the crane, and receiving wharfage.
• Sydney Wharf (Bath):
  • James Goodridge: Originally held the rent for Sydney Wharf.
  • Richard Clarke: Managed operations at Sydney Wharf, including wharfage collection, and was paid a salary for his role there.
• Wallingford Wharf:
  • James Parker, jun: Responsible for the rent and management of the Wallingford Wharf.