Ponder's End Lock facts for kids
Ponders End Lock
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| Waterway | River Lee Navigation |
|---|---|
| County | London Borough of Enfield Greater London |
| Maintained by | British Waterways |
| Operation | Mechanical/manual |
| Length | 95 feet (29.0 m) |
| Width | 19 feet 6 inches (5.9 m) |
| Fall | 7 feet 4 inches (2.2 m) |
| Distance to Bow Creek |
12 miles (19.3 km) |
| Distance to Hertford Castle Weir |
16 miles (25.7 km) |
| Coordinates | 51°38′31″N 0°01′48″W / 51.641995°N 0.030019°W |
Ponders End Lock (Number 14) is a special kind of water elevator called a lock. It is found on the River Lee Navigation in England, close to a place called Ponders End in London. This lock is important because it's the last one going upstream that is big enough for very large boats, called barges, which can weigh up to 130 tons.
How Ponders End Lock Was Built
This lock was made fully automatic in 1959. This means machines help it work, instead of people doing everything by hand. It was also "duplicated," meaning they built a second part to it. This was the first big step in a huge project by British Waterways. They spent £864,000 to make the River Lee Navigation better for boats. The whole project at Ponders End Lock was finished in just one year.
Finding Ponders End Lock
You can find Ponders End Lock on Wharf Road. It's very close to where the Lea Valley Road (A110) crosses the river. The lock is also near the Ponders End railway station. If you like walking or cycling, you can get to the lock using the Lea Valley Walk, which is a path along the river.
Fun Things to Do at the Lock
If you enjoy fishing, you're in luck! You are allowed to go fishing on the River Lee Navigation both upstream (further along the river) and downstream (closer to the sea) from Ponders End Lock. It's a great spot to enjoy the outdoors.
