Stratford upon Avon - Bancroft Basin Lock

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Many thanks to Cox's Yard for facilitating this camera's location and to Avon Navigation Trust for capitally funding its installation. Strategically situated between the renowned Royal Shakespeare Theatre and the primary shopping areas, the Stratford Canal Basin offers a vibrant and dynamic setting. Permanently moored within this locale are a collection of distinctive and intriguing boat-based businesses. Visitors to the area can indulge in a diverse range of culinary delights and refreshments, explore sightseeing boat tours, or even partake in a memorable dining experience aboard a restaurant cruiser. The surroundings of the Stratford Canal Basin are adorned with picturesque riverside gardens, inviting members of the public to unwind and relish in the tranquil ambiance. These spaces have become a captivating attraction for both locals and tourists, constituting an essential highlight of any visit to the area.The inception of the Stratford-upon-Avon Canal was propelled by the passing of the 1793 Act. However, by the time construction reached Hockley Heath in 1796, the majority of the allocated funds had been exhausted. Subsequent fundraising efforts facilitated the resumption of work, ultimately resulting in the connection of the canal to the Warwick & Birmingham Canal in 1802. It was not until 1812 that additional funds were secured, paving the way for the canal's continued excavation. The momentous achievement of linking the canal to the River Avon at Stratford was finally realized in 1816. Similar to other canals, the transportation of coal constituted a significant portion of the canal's traffic. Some of this coal was conveyed downstream from Stratford along the River Avon to Evesham, while other shipments traversed Clopton Bridge and proceeded along the Stratford & Moreton tramway, which had commenced operations in 1828.