Swift Ditch

[Chris Lowe]

Can anyone confirm where the pound lock on the Swift Ditch was, The HE listing puts it where I've marked and ringed in red, but someone has placed a photo of it where I've ringed yellow.

 

The yellow position looks far more plausible s its straight and narrow at that point, and the course of the ditch is also straighter.

 

 

[magnetman]

I've always assumed it is where the yellow circle is. Have done it several times in canoes and dinghies over the years but never noticed enough structure on the other stream (red) to indicate the remains of a lock. 

 

There is significant stonework exactly the right shape for a pound lock near where you have put the yellow circle. It is now a weir.

 

I think it is more likely that there are remains of a separate weir where the red circle is. That channel doesn't seem to be a very useful shape for maneouvering barges into. Too many bends. The purple line is much better.

Edited September 23, 2022 by magnetman

[Chris Lowe]

This is the Historic England map of the location.

 

 

From further reading I believe this was once a flash lock.

 

35 minutes ago, magnetman said:

I think it is more likely that there are remains of a separate weir where the red circle is. That channel doesn't seem to be a very useful shape for maneouvering barges into. Too many bends. The purple line is much better.

Exactly my thoughts

 

[Chris John]

I’ve also assumed it’s where the yellow circle is due to the stone sides which certainly look like a lock. I seem to recall there’s some remains of a winding mechanism as well 

Edited September 23, 2022 by Chris John

[Chris Lowe]

EA appear to have a notice board about it.

 

https://goo.gl/maps/QzdQrH6o1vezUxf78

[Sass]

hm

[Tacet]

According to Thames Water by Roger Pilkington (first published in 1956), "...the remains of the stone lock pen though which barges once passed can still be seen near the upper junction"