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moneypennys lock

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Moneypennys Lock

Newry
Portadown
Armagh
Phone: 28 38322205
Fax:
Newry Canal and Moneypenny's Lock along the route of the Ulster Way. Newry Canal was the first major inland canal in the British Isles. It opened for traffic in March, 1742. Eighteen miles in length, it extended, through a series of locks, from Newry to Whitecote Point about one mile south of Portadown. From here river navigation was possible along the Upper Bann into Lough Neagh and beyond. The last lock before the canal joins the River Bann is known as Moneypenny's Lock.

It takes its name from the Moneypenny family who were the lock keepers for 85 years and who lived in the house alongside the lock. As well as operating the lock gates and supervising the barges, they had to keep detailed record of the barges which passed by - their cargoes, their masters, their destinations and the tolls payable. Barges of varying sizes and types used the canal carrying a great variety of cargoes. Articles carried downstream included linen cloth, butter, meat, coal, bricks and tiles and general farm produce; upstream trafffic included grain and flour, flax seed, tabacco, timber, iron goods, whiskey, foreign foodstuffs, hides and oil.
Description
Description


Exhibitions:
After a long day's work, the lightermen would stable and feed their horses before making themselves a meal and bedding down for the night in simple "bothies" built beside the locks. The stables amd bothy at Moneypenny's Lock have been restored and now houses small exhibitions.

Exhibits in the bothy demonstrate the frugal life style of the lightermen. Not only did the canal provide a transportation system for industrial development but it became a migration or transport route for many plants and animals. The similarity between the rich aquatic life in the Lough Neagh basin and the waters of the canal are evident. The natural spread of trees and scrub growth has provided an enviroment for many woodland species of birds and insects.

An exhibition in the stables focuses on some of the wildlife to be found in the locality and describes the history of the Canal and Lock.

Moneypenny's Lock House dates from the beginning of the last century and is listed as a building of historic and architectural interest. It is now owned by Craigavon Borough Council. The lock-keepers carried out their book-keeping duties from a room in the house directly overlooking the lock and this office has been retained in the restoration work which has bee carried out to the house.
Location
Location
Take the A50 to Gilford, turn right into the Mullaghead Road, Signposted Tandragee. Parking is avaiable at Knock Bridge, Follow the Ulster Way to Moneypenny's LockHouse. (Distance 1km)
Accommodation in surrounding areas
Around County Armagh
Armagh County
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