- Limehouse Cut
The Limehouse Cut is a straight, broad
canal in the East End ofLondon , which linked the lower reaches of theRiver Lee Navigation to theRiver Thames . It now connects toLimehouse Basin as a result of changes made in 1968.The Cut turns in a broad curve from
Bow Locks , where the Lee Navigation meetsBow Creek ; it then proceeds directly south-west for convert|2|mi|km|1 through theLondon Borough of Tower Hamlets to Limehouse Basin.History
The Limehouse Cut was authorised by the River Lee Act, an Act of Parliament obtained in 1766, and is therefore the oldest canal in London. It provides a short-cut from the
River Thames atLimehouse Basin north-east to theRiver Lee Navigation , avoiding the tortuous curves of the lower reaches of the River Lee or Lea atBow Creek , and the need to wait for the tide to make the long detour round theIsle of Dogs . The Cut joins the Lea atBromley-by-Bow . Before 1968 the Cut enjoyed its own direct link to the Thames, but this exit lock was replaced when a short length of new canal was constructed to link the Cut with theRegent's Canal Dock, now known as Limehouse Basin. [ [http://www.waterscape.com/canals-and-rivers/limehouse-cut/history Waterscape: Limehouse Cut history] ] The link to the Thames has since been infilled. There was a link to the dock in the 19th century, but this had been removed when the dock was extended. [http://www.ltgf.co.uk/content/en/heritage_details.aspx?guid=D2624B8C-9B15-4527-98A3-0ACC729914AB London Thames Gateway Forum] ]The cut was built for sailing barges, and can accommodate vessels which are 88 ft by 19 ft (26.8m x 5.8m). Headroom is limited to 7ft (2.1m). [ [http://www.waterscape.com/canals-and-rivers/limehouse-cut/boating/dimensions Waterscape: Limehouse Cut dimensions] ] The lock from Limehouse Basin to the Thames was originally a ship lock, but has been replaced with a smaller one.
Bow Locks were originally tidal, replenishing Limehouse Cut and the southern section of the Lee Navigation at high tide. The Cut could be isolated from the level of the Navigation by theBromley Stop Lock ; and fromLimehouse Basin by theBritannia Stop Lock . Today, the level at Bow Lock is maintained at the same level as Limehouse Basin, with the result that the two stop locks are redundant, and have been largely removed.Today
Factories and warehouses line the Cut in the first few hundred meters from the Thames, but are serviced by roads now. These days the canals are used for pleasure, both on and beside the water on the towpaths. Regent's Canal,
Hertford Union Canal , River Lee Navigation and the Limehouse Cut form a square, for a distance of seven to eight miles which can be walked or cycled. These scenictowpath s cut across roads and railways in the area, providing a distinct viewpoint.Access on foot along the Limehouse Cut was difficult in the area below the Blackwall Tunnel approach road, but is now possible as a result of an innovative scheme to create a floating towpath. This was opened in July 2003 [ [http://visiteastlondon.co.uk/downloads/BW_walking_eastend.pdf Visit East London: Walking] ] and consists of 60 floating pontoons, creating a convert|240|m|yd|0|lk=on walkway complete with green glowing edges [ [http://www.citiesofscience.co.uk/go/London/ContentPlace_2810.html City Of Science: Floating tow-path] ]
The Cut is administered by
British Waterways .References
External links
* [http://www.leevalleypark.org.uk/ Lee Valley Park]
* [http://www.leariverstrust.co.uk/ Lea Rivers Trust]
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