Lee and Stort Navigation

The Lee and Stort Navigation is a network of waterways running through the scenic valleys of Hertfordshire and Essex, offering a mix of rural beauty and historical significance. It comprises two main rivers, the River Lee (or Lea)and the River Stort, which were canalized for navigation during the 18th century to support trade and transport.

Historical Background

The River Lee Navigation dates back to the early 17th century when the first improvements were made by Sir John Popham. However, it wasn’t until the Lee Navigation Act of 1739 that more extensive canalization began, improving navigation between Hertford and the Thames in London. The purpose was to carry goods like coal, grain, and building materials into London during the Industrial Revolution.

The River Stort Navigation was canalized later, in 1769, to serve the growing town of Bishop’s Stortford and its surrounding agricultural lands. Historically, these waterways were integral to the growth of commerce, agriculture, and industry in the region. By the 20th century, the rise of rail transport reduced their commercial use, but they found new life as leisure waterways.

Locks and Connections

There are 32 locks on the entire network, with 13 on the River Lee Navigation and 15 on the River Stort Navigation, helping boats navigate the changes in elevation along the waterway. The locks are largely narrow, suitable for traditional narrowboats.

The Lee and Stort Navigation is closely connected to other major waterways:

  • River Thames: The Lee Navigation connects to the River Thames at Bow Creek in East London, making it part of the broader canal network that links with the heart of London.
  • Hertford Union Canal: Also known as Duckett’s Cut, this canal links the Lee Navigation to the Regent’s Canal, offering further routes into Central London.

Interesting Features

  1. Waltham Abbey and the Royal Gunpowder Mills: Along the Lee, near Waltham Abbey, sits the Royal Gunpowder Mills, a site used for the production of explosives for over 300 years, now a museum.
  2. Olympic Park: As you approach London, the Lee Navigation runs alongside the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, offering a glimpse of the stadiums and modern developments from the 2012 Olympics.
  3. Wildlife and Nature Reserves: The waterway is home to a rich array of wildlife, including kingfishers, herons, and water voles. The Lee Valley Park, which stretches for miles along the route, includes nature reserves and opportunities for birdwatching.
  4. Picturesque Villages: On the River Stort, villages like Sawbridgeworth and Bishop’s Stortford offer scenic countryside views with old pubs, historic churches, and timber-framed houses near the water’s edge.
  5. Old Mills: Both navigations feature remnants of their industrial past, with old water mills and warehouses converted into homes and businesses, providing a glimpse into their historic commercial importance.

Today

Today, the Lee and Stort Navigation is a haven for leisure boaters, canoeists, and paddleboarders, as well as a popular walking and cycling route along the towpaths. Its proximity to London makes it a peaceful escape into nature, where one can enjoy a slower pace of life while traveling through the rich history of these waterways.

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