Enfield Lock (lock) facts for kids
The lock, cottages and toll office
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| Waterway | River Lee Navigation |
|---|---|
| County | London Borough of Enfield Greater London |
| Maintained by | Canal & River Trust |
| Operation | Manual |
| First built | 1725 |
| Length | 84 feet (25.6 m) |
| Width | 16 feet (4.9 m) |
| Fall | 9 feet 7 inches (2.9 m) |
| Distance to Bow Creek |
11.5 miles (18.5 km) |
| Distance to Hertford Castle Weir |
14.8 miles (23.8 km) |
| Coordinates | 51°40′02″N 0°01′06″W / 51.667319°N 0.018207°W |
Enfield Lock (Number 13) is a special water gate, called a lock. It is found on the River Lee Navigation in the London Borough of Enfield. This lock gives its name to the whole area around it, also called Enfield Lock.
The lock is very close to the old Royal Small Arms Factory. This factory is now a village called Enfield Island Village. Enfield Lock is the first of many smaller locks as you travel upstream towards Hertford. These locks were built to let large boats, called barges, weighing up to 100 tons pass through.
What's in a Name?
The name Enfield Lock was first written down in 1710. Before that, in 1355, it was called Norhtlok. In 1657, it was simply known as 'The Locke'. The name means 'the northern lock or river barrier near Enfield'. It comes from an old English word, lok.
A Look at History
There has been a lock at this spot since 1725. The lock you see today was rebuilt in 1922. Next to the lock, you can find red brick cottages. There is also an old office building from 1889. This office belonged to the Lee Conservancy Board. It was used as a toll office where boats paid to pass.
Below the lock, there is a special place for river maintenance. This area has an office building from 1907 with a clock tower. The building has a cross-shaped design.
How to Visit
Enfield Lock is easy to find. It is right next to Ordnance Road.
The Enfield Lock railway station is also very close by. You can get there by train.
If you prefer the bus, the area is served by London bus routes 491 and 121.
