Here the Lea River Navigation may be properly said to end, as the branch to join it with the Regent's Canal is known as the Lea Union or Hertford Union Canal, and was constructed by Sir George Duckett; it is, however, so connected with the Lea, that we have thought it needless to give the particulars under a separate head.
The act for forming this union was passed in May, 1824, under the title of 'An Act for making and maintaining a navigable Canal from the River Lea Navigation, in the parish of St. Mary Stratford Bow, in the county of Middlesex, to join the Regent's Canal, at or near a place called Old Ford Lock, in the parish of St. Matthew Bethnal Green, in the said county of Middlesex;' whereby Sir George Duckett, Bart. his heirs and assigns, are empowered to make the communication and all other works connected with it. They have also power to borrow money on the rates, or by mortgaging the canal and works, to the extent of £50,000. They are also authorized to demand the following
TONNAGE RATES AND TOLLS.
| For all Goods Wares and Merchandize whatever on Vessels entering the Canal from the Lea River or the Regent's Canal | 1s 0d per Ton. |
| For all Horses, Mules or Asses, passing on the Towing-paths, unless drawing or haling Barges and other Vessels | 0s 6d each. |
Parcels not exceeding Five Hundred Weight, to be charged according to Rates fixed by Order of Justices at the Quarter Sessions.
Wharfs may be erected, and the following demanded as
WHARFAGE RATES.
| For all Goods, Wares and Merchandize remaining on the Wharf Forty-eight Hours | 3d per Ton. |
| For every Day after that Time | 6d ditto. |
The water in the summit level of this canal must be 6 inches above the top water mark of the Regent's Canal, and a stop-lock is to be formed within one hundred yards of that canal. The River Lea Company may, if they think fit, place a dam at the mouth of the canal, to prevent any but flood-water being taken from their navigation. The rights of the Commissioners of Sewers and of the East London Water Works Company, are also secured by separate clauses in the act.
