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Stanstead Lock facts for kids

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Stanstead Lock
Stanstead Lock.JPG
The lock, lock-keeper's house and swing-bridge
Waterway River Lee Navigation
County Hertfordshire
Maintained by British Waterways
Operation Manual
Length 85 feet (25.9 m)
Width 16 feet (4.9 m)
Fall 8 feet 4 inches (2.5 m)
Distance to
Bow Creek
21.5 miles (34.6 km)
Distance to
Hertford Castle Weir
4.8 miles (7.7 km)
Coordinates 51°47′27″N 0°00′00″E / 51.790953°N 0.000131°E / 51.790953; 0.000131

Stanstead Lock (Number 4) is a special kind of gate system on the River Lee Navigation. It helps boats travel up and down the river by changing the water level. This lock is located near the villages of Stanstead Abbotts and Stanstead St Margarets.

What makes Stanstead Lock extra interesting is that it has a swing-bridge built right into it. A swing-bridge is a bridge that can pivot or swing open to let boats pass. This type of bridge is quite rare to see. Many boaters say that Stanstead Lock is one of the trickiest locks to use in the country.

Where is Stanstead Lock?

Stanstead Marina
Stanstead marina viewed from the south. The Stanstead mill stream merges with the Navigation in the foreground

Stanstead Lock is found in a unique spot. The house where the lock-keeper lives is on an island. This island is created by a part of the Lee Flood Relief Channel. This channel helps control water levels and prevent floods.

Water from the channel flows through an automatic sluice gate right next to the lock. A sluice gate is like a big door that can be opened or closed to control water flow. South of the lock, you'll find the Stanstead marina, which is a place where boats can dock and stay.

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