From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
The River Lea Navigation is a canalised river incorporating - as the name suggests - the River Lea (also known as the River Lee).
The Lea is a major tributary of the River Thames and was once used by Viking raiders. In more peaceful times, it became important for the transport of grain from Hertfordshire, but navigation of its southern-most tidal reaches ('Bow Creek') was difficult due to its tortuous meanders.
The River Lea Act 1766 provided for the construction of a new stretch of canal, the Limehouse Cut to bypass these tight bends. The Act also authorised considerable improvements further north, including the installation of pound locks in 1771.
