A two part question this:
In circa 1890, if a man wished to punt up the River Thames from
Sunbury (or Hampton Court, which is near enough) into the heart of
London itself...
1. Was this practically feasible, given the existence of locks
(presumably) along the way?
2. If it was feasible, how long would it have approximately taken?
Many thanks if anyone can help... |
Request for Question Clarification by
scriptor-ga
on
27 Apr 2006 07:28 PDT
Dear duffymp,
I already did some research, and I found out that in 1890, there were
only two locks between Hampton Court and the City of London: Molesey
Lock and Teddington Lock. Both were designed to let vessels pass. A
third lock even closer to London proper, Richmond Lock, was not opened
until 1894.
The question is: Would your hypothetical man have reasons not to pass
the locks with his punt? Technically, it's possible.
Scriptor
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Request for Question Clarification by
answerfinder-ga
on
27 Apr 2006 09:58 PDT
Dear duffymp-ga,
In addition to Scriptor?s comments, I have found evidence that someone
did punt almost as far as Putney, and punts were used in Richmond
during the late 19th century. However, a journey into the central
London would be not normally undertaken in a punt. Punts are designed
for smooth water where the bottom of the river can be reached with a
pole. Hence, most punting done on the Thames is on the non-tidal
section above Teddington Lock. The tidal Thames is too dangerous for
punts: strong tidal flow, deep water, and it can get very choppy when
the wind picks up. I?ve done it in a canoe, so I speak from
experience!
It is possible to choose a alternative method? Perhaps a rowing boat? Sculling?
answerfinder-ga
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Clarification of Question by
duffymp-ga
on
27 Apr 2006 11:20 PDT
Thank you for the notes to date. To clarify the queries raised:
1. There's no particular reason to avoid locks (I had assumed there
were enough to make the journey impracticable)
2. Yes, the journey could certainly be attempted by rowing boat or sculling
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Request for Question Clarification by
scriptor-ga
on
27 Apr 2006 12:51 PDT
As for the time it would take, I have found the following:
"An eight-oared Shallop could cover the distance from Hampton Court to
Greenwich in approximately four hours."
http://www.jubilant.org.uk/about.htm
Now, if we have a small boat rowed by only one person (who is not
trying to break a record), it will take longer. But the distance is
shorter, to the Tower or so only. I'd say, 6 to 7 hours is a realistic
time. Maybe longer, if there is waiting time at the two locks.
Would this information be what you are looking for?
Scriptor
|
Clarification of Question by
duffymp-ga
on
27 Apr 2006 13:24 PDT
Yes, this is indeed the kind of information I was seeking - many thanks!
|
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