Old Ford Lock (Regent's Canal) facts for kids
Old Ford Lock, 2008
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| Waterway | Regent's Canal |
|---|---|
| County | Tower Hamlets Greater London |
| Maintained by | Canal & River Trust |
| Fall | 8 feet (2.4 m) |
| Distance to Limehouse Basin |
1.9 miles (3.1 km) |
| Distance to Paddington Basin |
7 miles (11.3 km) |
| Coordinates | 51°31′57″N 0°02′44″W / 51.532428°N 0.045630°W |
Old Ford Lock is a special kind of water gate, called a lock. It's found on the Regent's Canal in London. This lock helps boats travel between different water levels. It's located between the areas of Globe Town and Old Ford in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets.
Contents
What is a Canal Lock?
A canal lock is like a water elevator for boats. It helps boats move from one part of a canal to another, even if the water levels are different. Locks work by filling up with water or emptying out. This changes the water level inside the lock chamber.
How Old Ford Lock Works
Old Ford Lock has two big gates, one at each end. When a boat wants to go through, one set of gates opens. The boat enters the lock chamber. Then, the gates close behind it.
If the boat is going to a lower water level, water is slowly let out of the chamber. The boat gently goes down with the water. If the boat is going to a higher level, water is let into the chamber. The boat rises up with the water. Once the water inside the lock matches the level of the canal ahead, the other set of gates opens. The boat can then continue its journey. Old Ford Lock helps boats change their water level by about 8 feet (2.4 m).
History of Old Ford Lock
The Regent's Canal was built a long time ago, starting in 1812. It was finished in 1820. Canals were like the highways of their time. They were used to move goods and materials across the country. Old Ford Lock was an important part of this busy waterway.
Horses and Canal Boats
In the past, boats on the canal were often pulled by horses. These horses walked along a path next to the canal called a towpath. The canal operators would provide horses for the "Thames lighters," which were flat-bottomed boats used for carrying goods.
At places like Old Ford Lock, there were special stables for these horses. This is where horses could be changed or rested. Other places where horses were swapped included City Road Lock and Camden Lock. The lock cottage, where the lock keeper lived, and the stables at Old Ford Lock are very old. They were recognized as important historic buildings in 1990.
Old Ford Lock Today
Today, the Regent's Canal is still used by boats. Many people enjoy boating for fun. Old Ford Lock helps these modern boats continue their journeys.
Facilities for Boaters
Old Ford Lock offers useful services for people traveling on the canal. Boaters can stop here to fill up their boats with fresh water. They can also get rid of rubbish and empty their chemical toilets. These facilities help keep the canal clean and enjoyable for everyone.
