The entrance to the Stroudwater Canal from the River Severn at Framilode was close to the mouth of the River Frome which had long been a haven for trading vessels.
Initially, there was just a lock that could be used by vessels around the time of high tide on most days. The Basin was added later.
To the east of the basin was a warehouse to the north and a house for the lock-keeper near the bridge. Also near the bridge was a row of three cottages owned by the Stoudwater Company.
Vessls passed in and out of the lock around the time of high tide when the level of the river was high enough and there was no strong current in the river.
The lock keeper was expected to be on duty at those times to help the vessels in and out. When there were particularly low neap tides, loaded vessels could not pass, but someone still needed to be on duty in case of an emergency in the river.
The lock is now derelict at the end of a private garden.
The basin was built in the 1790s, partly paid for by the Thames & Severn Canal Co, to provide space for vessels bringing Newport coal to transship into local barges that could carry up to Brimscombe and beyond. Also, a warehouse was built beside the basin for storing dry cargoes, although it seems that little such traffic developed.
The image shows the barge Irene waiting for the lock keeper to open the gates when the tide in the river reached the right level. She appears to be carrying a cargo of grain loaded at Sharpness for delivery to the mill at Lower Framilode, half a mile down river.
Since 1954, this basin has been filled in and the area is a private garden.
