Boats in the Creek River Darent

in april 2015 narrowboat arrived in dartford creek, crew of 4 canal skippers, establish feasibility of canal-boats visiting , extension boats medway, non-tidal thames , various sailing clubs along thames estuary. first time in on forty years registered ship lay on in dartford creek.

pentargon (ssr160910) returned in june 2015, familiarising more canalboat skippers, , stayed until october. weeks of tide-waiting established sailor s knowledge base future visits. during period, boat rested on berm near lock, accessible @ spring tides. upon departure, feasibility of both creeks access , dallying range of craft had been established.

pentargon first boat undertake overnight stay in creek crew on board since late 1970s. facilitate tying on first arrival volunteers dug away forty years of neglect , inertia provide clean quayside , temporary mooring in lock. work extended in 2016 volunteer lengthsman hugh nesbitt. skilled amateur archaeologist. in february 2016, network rail engineers removed trees @ top of crayford creek, re-establishing access end of navigation . crayford creek considered capable of development masted craft unable proceed dartford because of bob dunn bridge.

dartford library , museum provides wealth of evidence both creeks have been used trade since pre-roman times. trade reached modern zenith during industrial revolution , beyond. in 1835, 60,000 long tons (61,000 t) carried in or out, servicing , supporting considerable industrial activity. navigational factors meant single cargoes limited 50 long tons (51 t) on spring tides. ship canal proposed in 1800s failed achieve momentum. in 1839 new proposal achieved act of parliament allowing development proceed , tolls levied completion in 1844. work included straightening, dredging , shortening navigation.

the darent flowing through central park, dartford



european kingfisher on darent @ lullingstone castle