Hidden dry dock restored after more than a century

A historic dry dock which lay hidden for more than a century has been restored thanks to supporters from all over the world.

The Wilts and Berks Canal Trust has completed its rebuilding of the dock at Pewsham Locks near Chippenham, with sponsors from across the globe donating money to the work.

The completion of the dock, which is part of a wider project to restore 70 miles (113km) of canal, is being marked with a ribbon-cutting unveiling later.

David Maloney, a retired RAF engineer who led the project, said the discovery of the dry dock while working on the canal was a "complete surprise", adding: "It's been a massive undertaking, but everyone's justifiably proud of their efforts."

The trust's longer-term plan is to restore the overgrown canal between Chippenham and Melksham to allow boats to use the historic waterway once again.

Once rebuilt, the flight of locks and dry dock will be connected to the restored stretch of canal which leads towards Lacock in the south.

Hundreds of people from across the world sponsored the dock's slate roof tiles, with personal messages written on the underside.

Maloney said the dock will be included in the charity's plans to create a visitor attraction and educational facility.

Pewsham Locks was a busy section of the canal during the 1800s - not only did it raise narrowboats almost nine metres (30 ft) on their journey from Melksham to Chippenham via its three locks, but it also included a lockkeeper's cottage, carpenter's workshop, saw pit and lime kiln.

The full restoration of the canal began in 2019 and is being carried out by members of the charity's Melksham, Chippenham and Calne (MCC) branch.

Howard Wilson, MCC branch chair, said: "We were particularly pleased to involve so many members of the community in the sponsorship of the slate tiles, with tributes to loved ones and lots of drawings by local children."

The section of the canal being restored closed about 100 years ago, largely due to intense competition from the railways.

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