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| Introduction |
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Source:
An 1892 map of the area
Introduction
Vermuyden's second phase of works to drain the Bedford Level included digging a channel named the Forty Foot (or Vermuyden's) Drain from Ramsey to the Old Bedford River, joining the river via a lock built in 1651 at a place that later became kown as Welches Dam.
Photo: EE, Apr 2011 back to contents
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Photo: EE, March 2006
The west bank of the Counter Drain looking South. From left to right: in the distance is the lock entrance with a bridge over it; next is the old Lock-keepers Cottage; then ?; nearest is a house named Princess Victoria, once a pub.
Photo: EE, Apr 2011 Inner gates, one open, one closed
Lock
Known as the Forty Foot Lock, it was rebuilt in 1991 by the National Rivers Authority (NRA). Since 1997 is has been owned by the NRA's successors, the Environment Agency (EA) which now calls it Welches Dam Lock. They have erected a very comprehensive prohibition sign but otherwise have sadly negleted it.In 1996 an NRA report stated that high seepage losses of water in the Forty Foot River made it impractical to keep the channel open for navigation at all times. Entry into the Forty Foot from the OBR would be arranged in agreement with the Inland Waterways Association (IWA) on about 20 week-ends a year, assuming sufficient water available [from the Counterdrain/OBR] to fill it.
It was still navigable, with difficulty, in 2001 - see Tuesday Night Club cruise page for full report on a trip from the 16 Ft Drain to the Old Bedford with lots of photos. However a few years later (2005?) the lock was sealed off with steel piles, and so it remains today. The drain is now dry and choked with reeds up to the next lock, Horseway, where the EA's jurisdiction ends and the Middle Level Commissioners takes over. It may be co-incidence, but from there onwards the drain is full of water, and the Lock and river banks looked cared for.
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Photo: EE, Apr 2011 They've missed out "No Boating"
The words "Welches Dam" have been taped over the original "Forty Foot"
Officers confirmed that the gates had been closed for 5 years but advised that they had started to deteriorate which could cause them to leak and ultimately fail. Officers agreed that further information on the consequences of asset failure and the case for flood risk benefits would be needed before Members took a decision.
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Acknowledgements. Text and photos except where noted © Eddy Edwards, 2010-12 If you think there are any errors or ommissions on this page or would like to comment, please e-mail me and your response will be noted where appropriate. |
March 2015 Update.
An ambitious plan has been launched to restore the lock and the river up to Horseway Lock by Project Hereward - A new Dawn.
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| Related pages on this website |
| Horseway Lock |
| Welches Dam - area overview |
| Related external websites |
| Tuesday Night Club cruise page |