[TQ 54037497] Lock [NAT] (1) The tidal lock with weir and spillway has mitre gate at both upper and lower ends, with an unusual operating gear for these. They are opened and closed by a pinion operating on a toothed quadrant, the drive to the pinion being from a handle and bevel gear mounted on a cast-iron pillar alongside (2). River lock added to the improved Dartford Creek Navigation in 1895. The lock measured 169'x24'6". By 1987 the lock had become disused and the river returned to its tidal state (3-4). Photographs (5-12). The lock is still disused and now fenced off by the Environment Agency, who warn that it is dangerous. (13)

<1> OS 1:10000 1983 (OS Card Reference). SKE48169.

<2> The Indust Arch of SE Eng 1978 35 plate (AJ Haselfoot) (OS Card Reference). SKE50377.

<3> Not applicable, SMR Kent uncatalogued index entry, Hadfield Canals of SE England 1969 p.58-9 (Miscellaneous Material). SKE6440.

<4> Not applicable, SMR Kent uncatalogued index entry, PAL Vine Waterways of Kent and E Sussex 1989 (Miscellaneous Material). SKE6440.

<5> 1946, Photograph (Photograph (Print)). SWX9411.

<6> 1946, Photograph (Photograph (Print)). SWX9412.

<7> 1946, Photograph (Photograph (Print)). SWX9679.

<8> 1946, Photograph (Photograph (Print)). SWX9786.

<9> 1944, Photograph (Photograph (Print)). SWX10033.

<10> 1944, Photograph (Photograph (Print)). SWX10045.

<11> 1945, Photograph (Photograph (Print)). SWX10130.

<12> 1978, Photograph (Photograph (Print)). SWX10720.

<13> Wessex Archaeology, 2005, North Kent Coast Rapid Coastal Zone Assessment Survey: Phase ll: Field Assessment Year Two Report (Unpublished document). SWX12323.