Resembling a giant concrete guillotine, behold the Dartford Creek Barrier. This structure bridges the River Darent right before it merges with the Thames. The Dartford Creek Barrier stands as a crucial defense against the river’s might.
The Dartford Creek Barrier supports two 160-tonne gates. These gates can drop swiftly. They hold back the rising tide whenever water levels threaten the river embankments. The surrounding marshland sits several meters below the river’s maximum tidal height. This makes nearby Dartford and Crayford particularly vulnerable to flooding.
Upriver, the Thames Barrier protects central London. The Barking Creek Barrier protects the River Roding. These barriers share similarities with the Dartford Creek Barrier.
The Environment Agency usually closes the Dartford Creek Barrier during high spring tides. Spring tides happen roughly once a month. They combine with stormy weather. In 2019, the Dartford Creek Barrier closed about 12 times. In 2018, closures numbered seven. Eight closures occurred in 2017. In 2016, the Dartford Creek Barrier prevented flooding 12 times.
The Darent is one of London’s last natural tidal creeks. Silting and reduced flow limit boat traffic. This benefits the local wildlife. However, the creek was once a vital trade route. River traffic dates back to pre-Roman times.
Once, the Long Reach Tavern stood near here. It disappeared during the barrier’s construction. The Dartford Creek Barrier opened in 1982. Flood defenses also contributed to the tavern’s demise. The fields behind the river wall were once home to Joyce Green Airfield. It was active during the First World War.
Although the Dartford Creek Barrier appears to offer a crossing point, there’s no public access. Instead, the river path veers inland. It follows the Darent and Cray rivers. This creates a detour for walkers on the Thames Path.
In the past, Dartford Creek was an industrial hub. The Burroughs Wellcome & Co pharmaceutical factory used the creek. Raw materials arrived by barge. The company had its own wharf. Important drugs such as insulin and Zovirax were developed here. The factory closed and was demolished.
London Paper Mills also operated on the creek. Barges carried wood pulp and esparto grass to the mills. The esparto grass came from the Mediterranean. It was used to make fine writing paper. Other mills included the Ettrick Forest Mill and the Greaseproof Paper Mill.
Interestingly, ships were broken up in Dartford Creek in the late 1970s. HMS Leopard, a Royal Navy frigate, met its end here. It was the largest ship scrapped at Dartford.
So, the Dartford Creek Barrier not only defends against floods but also stands as a testament to Dartford’s industrial past.