Limehouse Basin Lock facts for kids
The lock viewed from Narrow Street Bridge
|
|
| Waterway | Regent's Canal |
|---|---|
| County | Tower Hamlets Greater London |
| Maintained by | Canal & River Trust |
| Operation | Assisted |
| First built | 1820 |
| Latest built | 1989 |
| Length | 100 feet (30.5 m) |
| Width | 30 feet (9.1 m) |
| Fall | tidal |
| Distance to Paddington Basin |
9 miles (14.5 km) |
| Coordinates | 51°30′36″N 0°02′12″W / 51.510098°N 0.036693°W |
Limehouse Basin Lock is like a special water elevator that helps boats move between the River Thames and the Regent's Canal in London. It's the very last lock on the Regent's Canal before boats reach the big river. Imagine a giant gate that lets boats go up or down!
Contents
What is a Lock?
A lock is a clever part of a canal or river that helps boats change their water level. It's a closed section of water with gates at both ends. When a boat enters, the gates close, and the water level inside the lock is either raised or lowered to match the water level on the other side. This allows boats to travel smoothly, even if the land changes height.
How Limehouse Basin Lock Works
The Limehouse Basin Lock connects the calm waters of the Limehouse Basin to the River Thames, which has changing water levels due to the tide. When the tide is high, the lock helps boats move from the basin into the river. When the tide is low, it helps boats go from the river up into the basin. This keeps the water in the basin at a steady level.
History of the Lock
The area where Limehouse Basin Lock is located has been important for boats for a long time. The original entrance to the basin was much larger than the lock you see today.
The Original Ship Lock
The first big entrance, called the Ship Lock, was built in 1820. It was huge, measuring about 350 feet (106.7 m) long and 60 feet (18.3 m) wide. This massive size allowed large ships to enter the basin from the River Thames. You can still see parts of the old lock today, like the original gate-recesses, which show just how big it used to be!
The Modern Lock
The current Limehouse Basin Lock was built in 1989. It's smaller than the original Ship Lock, measuring 100 feet (30.5 m) long and 30 feet (9.1 m) wide. This newer lock was designed specifically for smaller boats, like yachts and pleasure craft. Its main job is to help save water in the basin, which is important for keeping the canal running smoothly.
Location and Nearby Attractions
Limehouse Basin Lock is located in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. It's a busy and interesting area to visit.
Getting There
If you want to see the lock, the nearest train station is Limehouse station. This station is part of the Docklands Light Railway, which makes it easy to get to from other parts of London.
Narrow Street Bridge
Right next to the lock, you'll find the Narrow Street swing bridge. This bridge is also very important because it can swing open to let boats pass through. It sits between the lock and the River Thames, making it a key part of the waterway system.
