Pickett's Lock

Pickett's Lock is a navigation lock on the River Lee in Edmonton that measures 95 feet in length and 19 feet in width. The structure allows boats to pass through a water level difference of about 6 feet between the upper and lower sections of the river.

The lock was originally built in 1770 and underwent major reconstruction in 1861. The rebuild incorporated stone salvaged from the demolished old Westminster Bridge, giving the structure historical materials from central London.

The lock's name honors Pickett, a former lock keeper who worked here for many years. Today it remains a working place where boat operators and locals regularly pass through, keeping the waterway active and connected to the surrounding community.

Visitors can reach the lock via Montagu Road through Pickett's Lock Lane or from the Lea Valley Viaduct using the River Lee towpath. The site is easily walkable on foot and provides access to the river route from both nearby roads and the waterside path.

The lock continues to be manually operated despite its ability to handle barges weighing up to 130 tons, while many nearby locks have been modernized. This traditional operation gives the place a hands-on character quite different from the automated facilities you find elsewhere.