In this episode of Danny Hurst´s Unusual Histories Bridge Series, he covers a different type of structure that spans the River Thames – the lock and weir at Richmond along with it's footbridge and the area surrounding it which includes many historical sites. 

Danny explains why the weir and lock were built, the impact it has on the area and its role in maintaining the riverbed. He also shares details of the clever design and management systems that drastically increase the time that section of the river is navigable.

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KEY TAKEAWAYS

• There are 45 locks on the River Thames.

• River traffic that wants to use the lock has to pay a substantial toll.

• The weir was built to increase the number of hours the river was navigable each day.

• Without the lock the waters between Teddington and Richmond would not be deep enough for long periods.

• The twin footbridges that cross the Thames at this point close at night.

• Richmond Park is the largest Royal Park in London.

• Syon Abbey was home to both nuns and monks.

BEST MOMENTS

“The Old Deer Park in Richmond is not to be confused with Richmond Park itself .”

“ In 1983 Richmond lock and Weir and its footbridges became a designated grade two listed structure.”

“Allowing the river between the two to completely drain naturally at low tide .”

EPISODE RESOURCES

https://www.citybridgefoundation.org.uk

Syon Abbey - https://the-past.com/feature/syon-abbey-revisited-reconstructing-late-medieval-englands-wealthiest-nunnery/

The Draw Off - https://teddington.nub.news/news/local-news/how-the-thames-between-richmond-and-teddington-will-change-dramatically-this-week

HOST BIO

Historian, performer, and mentor Danny Hurst has been engaging audiences for many years, whether as a lecturer, stand-up comic or intervention teacher with young offenders and excluded secondary students. Having worked with some of the most difficult people in the UK, he is a natural storyteller and entertainer, whilst purveying the most fascinating information that you didn't know you didn't know. A writer and host of pub quizzes across London, he has travelled extensively and speaks several languages. He has been a consultant for exhibitions at the Imperial War Museum and Natural History Museum in London as well as presenting accelerated learning seminars across the UK. With a wide range of knowledge ranging from motor mechanics to opera to breeding carnivorous plants, he believes learning is the most effective when it's fun. Uniquely delivered, this is history without the boring bits, told the way only Danny Hurst can.

CONTACT AND SOCIALS

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