Hudson Dock, Machinery pit

This 19th century machinery pit, containing the former lock gates No. 4 chains and cog wheels, is at right angles to and immediately west of the east swing of Hudson Dock. It was designed by Henry W Wake for the River Wear Commission, and comprises a long rectangular ashlar-lined pit, with cast-iron and wrought-iron wheels, chains & cogs. When the bridge swings open the long arm rests parallel to the pit. A cast-iron round plate formerly covering the lock gate hinge is now in the dock workshop, and contains the low relief inscription: RIVER WEAR COMMISSION/ NO. 4 LOCK GATES/ 1880/ H.W.WAKE. C.E./ ENGINEER. LISTED GRADE 2