Wigan Album

Thanks to Ozy and Veronica for pointing us to the timepix site and the great store of images there. I've picked a few out which feature the Leeds & Liverpool in Wigan.
The interesting thing to note here is the paddle gear on the lock gate. The ratchet gear operated by the windlass appears to have been used on most of the gate paddles in the area. Note that the windlass is permanently attached to the gear. I wonder when the youngsters of Wigan began to mess about emptying locks to the extent that, not only were the windlasses removed - so every boater has to carry their own with them - but anti-vandal padlocks were fitted to stop unauthorised use of the paddle gear - so boaters have to carry a key and unlock and re-lock each set of gear they use?
The wooden hump behind the gear is also of note - presumably to guide tow ropes away from the gear when horse haulage was in use.