The Caen Hill Flight of Locks at Devizes on the Kennet & Avon Canal received a ‘Red Wheel’ plaque from the Transport Trust today (Wednesday 22 June 2011).
The Red Wheel scheme launched in 2009 commemorates transport sites of historical interest and it is similar to the English Heritage's Blue Plaques.
Transport Trust President, Sir William McAlpine, said: “John Rennie’s engineering masterpiece, the Caen Hill Flight of Locks, is a well-deserving host of a Red Wheel Plaque and a wonderful location to visit and enjoy our nation’s industrial heritage in beautiful surroundings.”
The Caen Hill Flight was opened in 1810 and it completed the 87-mile inland waterway link from Bristol to Reading — and then on to London on the River Thames.
Today the locks and their side ponds are a haven for wildlife and a working example of industrial heritage which is enjoyed by thousands of visitors every year.
David Bruce, President of the Kennet & Avon Canal Trust said: “ The Red Wheel Plaque will act as a permanent reminder to visitors about the heritage of this site.
“It’s great to see our canal and its wonderful structures receiving even more special attention.”
Picture by Gill Owen/BW
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