Pickett's Lock (lock) facts for kids
Looking south at the lock and the lock-keeper's cottage
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| Waterway | River Lee Navigation |
|---|---|
| County | London Borough of Enfield Greater London |
| Maintained by | British Waterways |
| Operation | Manual |
| First built | 1855 |
| Length | 95 feet (29 m) |
| Width | 19 feet 6 inches (5.9 m) |
| Fall | 6 feet 5 inches (2 m) |
| Distance to Bow Creek |
10.5 miles (16.9 km) |
| Distance to Hertford Castle Weir |
17.5 miles (28.2 km) |
| Coordinates | 51°37′34″N 0°01′57″W / 51.62608°N 0.032449°W |
Pickett's Lock (No 15) is a special kind of water gate on the River Lee Navigation. You can find it in the London Borough of Enfield, England, near Edmonton. The lock is so well known that the whole area around it is also called Picketts Lock.
Contents
What is Pickett's Lock?
This lock is big enough for large boats, up to 130 tons. It is similar to other locks further upstream, like Ponder's End Lock. However, Pickett's Lock is not automatic. People have to operate it by hand. It has special gates that let water in, but these gates do not have baffles to slow the water down.
Where Does the Name Come From?
The name Pickett's Lock appeared on maps as early as 1877. It means the lock is connected to the Picot or Pickett family. A nearby field, called Picketts feld in 1669, also got its name from this family. The family's name came from someone called Picot de Marisco, which means 'of the marsh', who lived there in the 1200s.
A Look Back in Time
The first lock here was rebuilt after a law called the River Lea Water Act of 1855. This new lock allowed another lock in Edmonton to be closed down.
In 2015, the Canal & River Trust temporarily changed the lock's name. They called it Alfie's Lock. This was to honor Alfie Saggs, who used to be the lock keeper there.
How to Visit Pickett's Lock
The lock is located between the William Girling Reservoir to the east and the Deephams Sewage Treatment Works to the west. It is also close to the golf course at the Lee Valley Leisure Complex.
You can reach the lock from Montagu Road in Edmonton. Just follow Pickett's Lock Lane, which is part of the Pymmes Brook Trail. You can also get there from the Lea Valley Viaduct. Take Lea Park Way and then follow the River Lee's towpath. This towpath is part of the Lea Valley Walk and the National Cycle Route 1.
Fun Things to Do Nearby
You are allowed to go fishing on the River Lee Navigation. You can fish both upstream (further along the river) and downstream (closer to the river's end) from the lock. You can find more information from the River Lea Anglers Club.
