Lockkeepers lodge,Rochdale Canal,Castlefield,Manchester,England,UK

Duke's Lock - Lock 92 on the Rochdale Canal The Rochdale Canal runs for 32 miles from its junction with the Calder and Hebble Navigation at Sowerby Bridge in West Yorkshire to its junction with the Bridgewater Canal in Castlefield. Originally, the canal terminated in Dale Steet in the centre of Manchester (see below) because the Duke of Bridgewater refused to agree to it joining with his Bridgewater Canal. However, faced with competition from other canals he changed his mind and the Rochdale Canal was extended into Castlefield and "The Duke's Lock" - lock 92, facilitated the connection between the two canals. A lock keepers cottage was built beside Lock 92 and it is still there today. The 1863 Manchester and Salford Directory lists a John William Smith, living at Lock House, whose job was "toll collector".