Stanstead Lock facts for kids
The lock, lock-keeper's house and swing-bridge
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Waterway | River Lee Navigation |
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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 |
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 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.