The Haven, Boston facts for kids

The Haven is a special river in Boston, Lincolnshire, England. It's a "tidal river," which means its water level goes up and down with the ocean's tides. This river is super important because it connects the town of Boston to the sea, allowing ships to travel to and from the port. Think of it as a watery highway for boats!

The Haven is also where the River Witham and many other large drainage channels from the northern Fens (a flat, low-lying area) empty into the sea. These channels are all part of a system called the Witham Navigable Drains. (TF 337 426)

The Grand Sluice at Boston, where the River Witham empties into The Haven. The lock is on the far right.

Boston's Busy Port Today

Today, the main action of the port happens a bit further downriver from the old town center. You'll see fishing boats tied up near the railway bridge. Bigger trading ships either wait in special spots next to the main dock or go right into the dock itself.

At the dock, there are special areas to handle different types of goods. They can load and unload things like scrap metal, rolls of steel, paper, grain, wood, and even large containers filled with various items.

Stopping Floods with a Barrage

A big project was finished in 2020 to help stop floods in Boston. Workers built a special barrier called a "tidal barrage" near a place called the Black Sluice. This barrage helps control the water levels and makes it easier for boats to move between the River Witham and another channel called the South Forty-Foot Drain.

This important work was approved by a special law called the Transport and Works Act of 1992. The project cost about £100 million and started in 2018, finishing two years later.

What is the Transport and Works Act?

The Transport and Works Act (1992) is a law that makes it simpler to get permission to build or change things like railways and inland waterways. It also helps manage any work that might affect how boats can travel on rivers or canals.

A Look Back in History

The Haven has an interesting history too! In 1607, this very river, between Boston and the sea (TF 361 402), was the place where a group of people called the Scrooby Pilgrims first tried to leave England. Their attempt didn't work out that time, but later, in 1620, they successfully sailed to America and became some of the first settlers of Plymouth, Massachusetts.