The dock itself was built by the Aire & Calder Navigation Company in 1843 as its main traffic hub and was home to a wide range of industries in and amongst the timber yards and saw mills; it was also known locally as the “Potato Dock”, but then Leeds did become the home of Fish & Chips; a fact confirmed by presence of the headquarters of the National Federation of Fish Fryers; two time president of the organisation, Henry Youngman had a number of restaurants in the city centre where my mother would take me for a treat…and what a treat!
Leeds lock itself is a rather curious affair, being a lock within a lock and it’s time for my daughter Hannah to skip off at the landing stage next to the Armouries and walk up to operate the inner basin lock.
As we wait for the lock to empty, I look across to the north side to see the modern office block which is headquarters to the Canals and River Trust; the agency which effectively took over from British Waterways in 2012 to take responsibility for the nation’s 2,200 miles of canals, rivers and docks.
Also on the north side, we see Fearn’s Island Mills; a successful refurbishment and conversion of the old industrial property being undertaken at a cost of £2.5m in 2005.
Fearn’s Island itself was constructed to enable the river to flow down its north side and accommodate the construction of the lock; it used to be the headquarters of the Leeds Sea Scouts whose present facility we passed at the beginning of our journey.
Leeds Lock (with Bank MIlls and Rose Wharf in the background
On leaving the lock, we need to sound our horn as we approach the junction with Clarence (Leeds) Dock; the regular Dutch water taxis buzz between the dock and the No. 1 lock of the Leeds and Liverpool canal; a previously free to use service, (it has just started charging £1 per person per trip) it provides an opportunity for anyone to save their legs and get a different perspective of the waterfront.
Leeds Water Taxi
Check back in the next few days as John’s cruise continues…