Sulhamstead Pins and Buttons

The wooden swing bridge on the Kennet and Avon Canal near the village of Sulhamstead in Berkshire, found on the stretch of water between Tyle Mill and Theale. There are a number of swing bridges along the canal, some like this one linking two fields, enabling livestock to be moved from one to the other. The K&A dates from the early 18th century when it was constructed to link the River Avon in the west to the River Kennet in the east so that boats could travel between Bristol and London.

Just below the swing bridge carrying the road over the Kennet and Avon Canal at Sulhamstead in Berkshire, England. The surrounding buildings are reflected in the water and the whole scene is bathed in late afternoon sunlight. The Kennet and Avon Canal, 87 miles long, was constructed between 1794 and 1810 to link the Thames and Avon rivers, providing a smooth transport link between Bristol and London via Reading. The canal, once almost derelict, was restored in the late 1900s, being fully opened in 1990.

Approaching the bottom gate of Sulhamstead lock on the Kennet and Avon Canal in Berkshire, England. The lock was originally constructed between 1718 and 1723 under the supervision of the engineer John Hore from Newbury. The lock has a rise and fall of 1.25 metres (4ft 1inch) The Kennet and Avon was designed to link the rivers Kennet in the east and Avon in the west so that goods could be transported from Bristol to London. It was completely renovated in the late 1900s.

The wooden swing bridge on the Kennet and Avon Canal near the village of Sulhamstead in Berkshire, found on the stretch of water between Tyle Mill and Theale. There are a number of swing bridges along the canal, some like this one linking two fields, enabling livestock to be moved from one to the other. The K&A dates from the early 18th century when it was constructed to link the River Avon in the west to the River Kennet in the east so that boats could travel between Bristol and London.

A group of thatched cottages clustered round the church in Sulhamstead Abbots, West Berkshire, England. They are C16th Grade II listed buildings. This quiet village is just to the south of the busy A4 or Bath Road which here runs between Reading and Newbury. St Mary's church, which has a distinctive white weatherboarded belfry, is largely C12th and is a grade 1 listed building. The village and the church are on the edge of high ground surrounded by farmland and overlook the Kennet valley. Nikon D7100 Nikkor 18-200

Approaching Sulhamstead Lock on the Kennet and Avon Canal in Berkshire. It was originally constructed between 1718 and 1723 under the direction of the engineer John Hore from nearby Newbury and has a rise and fall of 4ft 1 inch. The canal was designed to join the Avon and Kennet rivers allowing goods to be transported between Bristol and London via Reading. It fell into disuse in the early 20th century but was restored later in the century and is now busy with leisure boats.

Walking along the towpath of the Kennet and Avon Canal near the village of Sulhamstead in West Berkshire in early autumn. Here we approach Tyle Mill Lock from the upsteam side. This canal was constructed to link two rivers, the Thames in the east and Avon in the west, enabling goods to be carried from London to Bristol. It fell into disuse due to the Great Western Railway being built but was restored in the late 1900s and is now a busy leisure waterway.

The church of St Mary in the village of Sulhamstead Abbots in Berkshire, England. This beautiful parish church with its distinctive white wooden belfry stands on the edge of the village surrounded by farmland overlooking the Kennet Valley.There seems to have been a chapel here in the 1100s which was apparently owned by nearby Reading Abbey but by 1240 it had become a church. The present building is largely 13th century with restoration carried out in the 15th and 19th centuries.

The church of St Mary in the village of Sulhamstead Abbots, Berkshire. This beautiful parish church with its distinctive white wooden belfry stands on the edge of the village surrounded by farmland overlooking the Kennet Valley.There seems to have been a chapel here in the 1100s which was apparently owned by nearby Reading Abbey but by 1240 it had become a church. The present building is largely 13th century with restoration carried out in the 15th and 19th centuries.

Looking across the swing bridge at Sulhamstea in Berkshire, England, crossing the Kennet and Avon Canal. This is one of the farm bridges allowing cattle to cross the canal to the fields on the opposite bank. This image was captured on a sunny September evening, the low sun accentuating the colours.