WIAS - Warwickshire Industrial Archaeology Society

The Hatton Flight Locks

Probably one of the best known Industrial Archaeology locations in South Warwickshire is the flight of locks at Hatton, (21 in all). Now in excellent condition and also serving as a mini heritage centre, (with excellent tea room), here are some shots of the locks taken early on a winter morning.

The Hatton Locks are a flight of 21 locks on the Grand Union Canal in Hatton, Warwickshire. The flight spans less than 2 miles (3.2 km) of canal, and has a total rise of 45 metres (148 ft).

The flight was opened in December 1799 on the Warwick and Birmingham Canal. In 1929, the canal was renamed as the Grand Union Canal (on unification of a number of operators) and the decision was made to widen the Hatton stretch. In order to accommodate traders with heavy cargo's of coal, sugar, tea and spices up the flight, the locks were widened to 14 feet (4.3 m) – allowing navigation by industrial boats or two single narrowboats. The widening was completed in the mid-1930's using a workforce of 1,000, and the revolutionary concrete lock system was opened by Prince George, Duke of Kent.

The flight was known as the "stairway to heaven" due to the difficulty of the flight and the subsequent easier journey to Camp Hill where the workmen would receive their wages.

Canalside Cafe

Winner of a Commended award within the Best Café/Tea room category at the Coventry & Warwickshire Food and Drink Awards 2006.

Try delicious refreshments at the award winning Hatton Locks Café. The café features produce from small local suppliers and stocks cheeses from Fowlers of Earlswood, freshly baked sponge cakes and apple pie from local supplier Milcotes and apple juices and smoothies from Snitterfield fruit farms to name just a small selection. All produce is made traditionally and contains the finest ingredients.

Further information

http://www.waterscape.com/servicesdirectory/Hatton_Locks_Cafe