“Duckett’s Cut”, some boaters still call it with affection. This waterway is officially named the Hertford Union Canal. It whispers tales of ambition, failure, and eventual redemption. Today we’ll uncover its story.
The Hertford Union Canal is just over one mile long. It links the Regent’s Canal to the Lee Navigation. This connection resides within the London Borough of Tower Hamlets.
Picture London in the 19th century. The East End bustled with trade. Canals were vital arteries. They facilitated the transport of goods. The Hertford Union Canal aimed to be a shortcut. It would allow boats on the River Lee to bypass the Bow Back Rivers. These rivers were tidal, tortuous, and often silted.
Sir George Duckett championed this vision. He secured an Act of Parliament in 1824. This act authorized him to borrow up to 50,000 pounds. He could also charge tolls for canal usage. The initial toll was one shilling per ton of goods.
Francis Giles was appointed engineer. The Hertford Union Canal opened in 1830. For years, people called it Duckett’s Canal. But its early days were far from glorious. It quickly became a commercial failure. Offers to waive tolls didn’t improve its fortunes. For a period in the 1850s, the canal became unnavigable. A dam blocked the channel. This prevented the Regent’s Canal from losing water.
After failed sales attempts, the Regent’s Canal Company acquired it in 1857. They removed the dam. They also deepened and widened the channel. The Hertford Union Canal finally became a useful waterway.
The Grand Union Canal Company absorbed it in 1929. Today, the Canal and River Trust maintains the Hertford Union Canal.
The Hertford Union Canal begins at the Hertford Union Junction. This is between Mile End Lock and Old Ford Lock on the Regent’s Canal. It runs north of Bow Wharf. This area was redeveloped in the 1990s with shops and bars. Passing Grove Road, it continues south of Lakeview Estate. Victoria Park borders much of its northern side. The canal joins the Lee Navigation just above Old Ford Lock.
The Hertford Union Canal has three locks. They are collectively known as Old Ford Three Locks. Individually, they are Hertford Union Top, Middle, and Bottom locks. They sit close together. They descend about 19 feet from the Regent’s Canal to the Lee Navigation. Each lock operates manually. The largest boats that can pass through are 72 feet long and 14 feet wide.
The Hertford Union Top Lock is near Victoria Park. Its tail passes under a cast-iron footbridge. This bridge connects the park to Parnell Road. The lock’s bottom gates feature rare cast iron balance beams. One of the adjacent cottages is a Grade II listed building.
The Hertford Union Middle Lock has a fall of nearly nine feet. Its tail extends under Cadogan Terrace. The Hertford Union Bottom Lock is closest to the River Lee junction.
Today, walkers and cyclists enjoy the Hertford Union Canal towpath. It connects to the Lea Valley Walk. The Capital Ring crosses the canal at Hackney Wick.
From commercial flop to valued green space, the Hertford Union Canal is a testament to perseverance. Its story reminds us that even the most troubled beginnings can lead to a worthwhile destination.