Wootton Rivers Lock

Wootton Rivers Lock, also called Wootton Rivers Bottom Lock, is a lock on the Kennet and Avon Canal at Wootton Rivers, Wiltshire, England. It was built between 1804 and 1810, as the Pewsey to Great Bedwyn was the last section of the canal to be built. It was dependant for its water supply on Crofton Pumping Station, at the eastern end of the summit level. The lock became dry in 1958 after demolition of part of the chimney at Crofton Pumping Station prevented the steam engines from operating. Water supplies were restored in 1989, just prior to the full reopening of the canal after years of restoration. Water for the canal to the west of the nearby summit level is largely supplied from the River Avon at Claverton by backpumping systems, and the final one to pump water from below the lock to the summit pound at Wootton Top Lock was installed in 1998, paid for by a Heritage Lottery grant.