I set off again from St Pancras Basin, past the flats designed by Nicholas Grimshaw behind Sainsbury’s, and alongside the canal. Lots of redevelopment in this area, with colour co-ordinated wildlife on this occasion!
Kentish Town was ‘..a pleasant village by the Fleet River..’, undeveloped until 1840s, as the map below shows. The Regent’s Canal is at the bottom of the map, which must, therefore, be 1830s. Kentish Town Lock, No.3, is one of three in quick succession.
Hawley Lock, No.2, at Camden Town, was a double lock but the left side has been converted to a weir. The land belonged to Sir Henry Hawley, of Leybourne Manor, Kent.
Camden Lock, as the area is known, was crammed with people eating and drinking and shopping!
Hampstead Road Lock, No.1, the only working double lock on Regent’s Canal. It was in this area that Gilbeys established their major drinks business, with The Roundhouse as one of their bonded warehouses! (I need more exploration on this topic!)
Onwards! The last stretch before Regent’s Park.
You may be interested in
Old Negatives
The course of the Fleet River
A new way to see London – a journey along the Canal and great fun!
British History Online
A Vision of Britain through Time
Walter Gilbey
I would love to hear from you!