Industry In The Lee Valley

The River Lee has for many centuries been providing not only water for domestic use, but a source of power and transportation for industrial development. Rising near Luton in Bedfordshire and joining the River Thames at Bow, this waterway has seen its industrial heritage change over time to reflect the decline in Britains manufacturing industry, and the growth in its
tertiary sector. Along the Lee Valley traditional old heavy industries which were initially well sited close to London and had used the Lee Navigation as a method of transportation found that they were soon to become a victim of industrial inertia. Competition from foreign imports, and lower raw material bulk unit prices were soon to put direct pressure on the viability of many of the ‘older’ industries.

During this period technological advances in production methods and the massive development of Britains road network hailed the demise of the waterway as a transportation system. Mass transit via the new road network, and utilising old ‘brown field’ sites saw the explosive expansion in warehouse development along the Lee Valley.

Now it was the Motorway system which was to become the main artery for transportation and future industrial development along the Lee Valley. For the Lee a new industry is rapidly making its presence felt, that of recreation. Now, Narrow Boats gracefully glide the Lee Navigation carrying holiday-makers instead of coal, whilst the old towpath provides a base for walkers, fishermen, cyclists and bird watchers.

There are still examples of very old industries on the Lee, such as Wright’s Flour Mill, one of the few remaining mills along the river, but alas no longer powered by the traditional water wheels.*

*See Industry in the Lee Valley: A Case Study The Forest Centres Service Raising Achievement - Outdoors Hawkwood Lodge Environmental Education Centre
c.2001 sm

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