Old Ford Lock

Old Ford Lock is a paired lock and weir structure on the River Lee Navigation that connects two water levels along the river. The installation allows boats to move between different elevations while managing water flow through the system.

The lock marks where the Hackney Cut begins, an artificial channel from the 18th century that bypasses a natural bend in the river. This shortcut transformed both the shipping route and the development of the local area.

The lock keeper's cottages became well-known as the filming location for the British television breakfast show The Big Breakfast. The site remains memorable for viewers who watched the program during its years on air.

The location is easily reached via the Lea Valley Walk towpath, with Hackney Wick Overground and Pudding Mill Lane DLR stations nearby. The area is relatively flat and straightforward to navigate on foot.

The lock underwent changes in 2000 at Bow Locks to prevent tidal flow and reduce silt buildup in the water. This technical adjustment significantly improved how water is managed along this stretch of the river.