London’s Secret Canal The River Lee Navigation

London’s Secret Canal The River Lee Navigation

“Jim Lewis has spent many decades living and working and writing around the Lea Valley and he makes a trusty, amiable guide. His books almost crackle with enthusiasm for the area and its rich history.” ADITYA CHAKRABORTTY, Senior Economics Commentator, The Guardian

About the book: Most of us are aware of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and the busy manufacturing town of Luton, Bedfordshire, but fewer will be familiar with the waterway linking these two locations. Using myriad sources, Professor Lewis maps out the entire length of the River Lee Navigation, detailing the countless points of interest on the way.  From locks to reservoirs, nature reserves to country parks and with the former Gunpowder Mill and Small Arms Factory thrown in for good measure, the author shows his passion for the area’s rich industrial heritage as well as its flora and fauna. Whether walking, biking or boating, this book will help readers to discover the secrets and the unique charm of this little-known area. 

About the author: Dr Jim Lewis is a Consultant to Terry Farrell & Partners on the historical development of London’s Lea Valley. A freelance writer (with nineteen published books), researcher and broadcaster for his specialist subject – London’s Lea Valley, he also has a genuine passion for encouraging partnership projects within the local community, which in the long term, are planned to help stimulate social and economic regeneration. In 2012 Dr Lewis was appointed Contributory International Professor by the Clark H Byrum School of Business, Marian University, Indianapolis for his work with students on The Modern British Service Economy.