2021
TQ0694 : Information Board at Batchworth Lock Canal Centre (3)
taken 3 years ago, near to Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, England
Information Board at Batchworth Lock Canal Centre (3)
This information board on the outside of the canal centre has the following wording:
A WIDER WELCOME IN RICKMANSWORTH
1st column
THE GRAND UNION CANAL
In April 1793 an Act of Parliament was granted to build the Grand Junction
Canal from London to Braunston in Northamptonshire, to link with the
existing route to Birmingham. The Grand Union Canal came into being in 1929
following a merger of canal companies.
The canal through Hertfordshire forms a small part of this 145 mile route
from London to Birmingham.
Following the decline of commercial traffic it now provides a wonderful
resource for leisure. There are opportunities for walking, fishing,
cycling, as well as boating and enjoying the favourite canalside pastime of
'gongoozling'- simply watching the boats go by.
The wealth of wildlife from the darting kingfisher to the stately swans,
the attractive flag irises and rushes together with the locks, bridges and
pretty cottages all form a special backdrop to this part of the
countryside.
2nd column
RICKMANSWORTH
The town was given its charter in 1542 but owes much of its development to
the coming of the canal in 1796 which has promoted a thriving community of
shops, pubs and leisure activities.
The town marks the northern boundary of the Colne Valley Park, which
extends south to Slough and Heathrow. It has an abundance of walks, nature
reserves, country parks, cycle tracks and flourishing wildlife.
STOCKERS LOCK
Set in rural surroundings the lock, with its picturesque white cottage,
shares its name with the 16th century farm which has been used as a
location for the TV series Black Beauty.
At the bottom of the lock is Stockers House, built in the 1860s as a toll
house for the collection of tolls on goods being carried into London. You
can still see the boundary marker for London outside the house.
3rd column
STOCKERS LAKE
This lake is now home to a nature reserve owned by Three Valleys Water and
managed by Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust. It began life as a gravel
pit and provided material for the building of the original Wembley
Stadium in the 1920s.
RICKMANSWORTH AQUADROME
Consisting of Bury Lake and Batchworth Lake this wooded and semi-
landscaped haven, close to the town centre, offers a children's playground,
water-based activities and pleasant walks.
BATCHWORTH LOCK
The construction of the canal here was difficult because of the underlying
sand and gravel. The lock had to be strengthened with wooden piles which
gives added importance to this lock.
It is a popular focus for activity particularly in the summer. The building
which houses the Rickmansworth Waterways Trust was originally a warehouse
and stable. Local visitor information is available here.
Right hand side
There is a map showing the Grand Union Canal from Lot Mead Lock in the east
to Springwell Lock in the west, plus the railway line going through
Rickmansworth. Also, there are four photos around this information board.
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