"...in the reign of Queen Victoria" - NOT EVEN CLOSE - Bingley Five Rise opened in 1774. That was 45 years before Victoria was even born, and 102 years before her reign began. Even her predecessors William IV and George IV were only 11 years old and 12 years old (respectively,) at that time. The Five Rise was opened just two years into the 60 year reign of George III.
If they were made of wood, 'because wood naturally swells up,' then they'd only have to have the edges of the gates made of wood. The point is that 250 years ago, they only had wood or stone as building materials, so all the large moving parts are made of wood, because stone is too bloody heavy to shift!
Not 'the last lock' by any estimation. Right around the corner, you have the Bingley 'Three Rise' where they need to go through the whole process again. Perhaps you should do a follow up video, but if you do, for God's sake do your research first.
That isn't Shipley - Shipley lies to the southeast of the Five Rise - what you were pointing out was probably Keighley.
"...in the reign of Queen Victoria" - NOT EVEN CLOSE - Bingley Five Rise opened in 1774. That was 45 years before Victoria was even born, and 102 years before her reign began. Even her predecessors William IV and George IV were only 11 years old and 12 years old (respectively,) at that time. The Five Rise was opened just two years into the 60 year reign of George III.
The steps aren't 'curved' - That's just wear from about 250 years of constant usage!
Not 'barges', mate - A barge is a river vessel with a beam too wide to navigate the canals. What you really mean are 'narrowboats' and/or 'widebeams'.
If they were made of wood, 'because wood naturally swells up,' then they'd only have to have the edges of the gates made of wood. The point is that 250 years ago, they only had wood or stone as building materials, so all the large moving parts are made of wood, because stone is too bloody heavy to shift!
Not 'the last lock' by any estimation. Right around the corner, you have the Bingley 'Three Rise' where they need to go through the whole process again.
Perhaps you should do a follow up video, but if you do, for God's sake do your research first.