Albert Lock and Jamestown Canal, Co. Roscommon, Ireland
Posted by: 
WW.Wilma
N 53° 54.631 W 008° 00.101
29U E 565578 N 5974027
Albert Lock links Jamestown Canal and the Shannon River
Waymark Code: WM4DG0
Location: Ireland
Date Posted: 08/08/2008
Views: 56
Historical info:
The Canal known as “The Jamestown Cut” was originally constructed by the Commissioners of Inland Navigation in 1775 and is 1.7miles long. Initially it was very narrow with two S-bends, dangerous and shallow. After an inspection of the canal in 1794, repairs were recommended. But progress on the necessary modifications to the Canal was slow. It was not until the 1840’s that the canal as we know it today was made satisfactorily navigable. At first the canal was constructed in the dry using steam and horse driven pumps. More than half of the canal’s length is through rock which was removed by blasting with gun powder. Great difficulties were encountered in the reaches downstream of Corlara bridge where the canal is cut through peat and soft clay. Rock had to be placed on the canal bed to prevent upheaval.
The average number of people employed on the scheme was 313. Many of them walked miles to earn a few pence a day which just about kept them alive during famine times. Many others were unable to undertake the long trek and slept in impoverished tents.
A new lock called Albert Lock, named after the husband of Queen Victoria, was constructed in 1848. The timber for the gates was imported specially from South America. The amounts of water kept back from the Jamestown end of the lock is 6feet.
Practically every known commodity was carried on the Shannon and on the canal from Limerick to Carrick. Today, it carries cruisers and holiday-makers from all parts of the world. At the moment (2007) the cost per boat is 1,50 Euro.
The Burke family has been the lock keeper for 4 generations. They have received many awards and are well liked for their friendly service and beautiful decorative surrounds.
Waterway Name: Irish Waterways
Connected Points:
Albert Lock links Jamestown Canal and the Shannon River
Type: Lock
Date Opened: 06/30/1848
Elevation Difference (meters): 2.00
Site Status: Operational
Date Closed (if applicable): Not listed
Web Site: Not listed
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