The Regent's Canal runs between Paddington and Limehouse, and was once a busy form of industrial transport. Toda its use is recreational, and St Pancras basin had a large number of boats. To the east of this lock is a canal museum, with a varied collection of barges on display.
This lock is beside the gasholders in yesterday's shot, and I used the canal to make my way back to Kings Cross for my train north.
The lock was completed in 1819, one of the last on this canal to be completed, and it was built as a double lock, like man others on the route. Water could be moved between the two locks to reduce the amount of water needed for each lift or lowering of a boat. However the operation of paired locks was more complicated than operating a single lock, so they had to be staffed. As business declined the expense could not be justified. In the 1980s the northern lock (on the right) was converted to a weir, and all boats use the remaining lock.
In this shot a narrow boat is energing from the lock on its journey eastwards.
Thank you all for your lovely comments and favs, they are very much appreciated.
Canal walks in cities give a new and different perspective on a city, and the Regent's Canal reveals a very different and attractive look at London. I walked the section between Kings Cross and the canal basin at Paddington some time ago, and it was a very pleasant experience - and I took lots of photos!.
Ian
May 7th, 2026
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Thank you all for your lovely comments and favs, they are very much appreciated.
Canal walks in cities give a new and different perspective on a city, and the Regent's Canal reveals a very different and attractive look at London. I walked the section between Kings Cross and the canal basin at Paddington some time ago, and it was a very pleasant experience - and I took lots of photos!.
Ian