Camden Lock
A wander about Camden Lock
(Photos/words © urban75, March 2007)

Sandwiched between the junction of Chalk Farm Road and Camden High Street, Camden Lock is a working double manually-operated lock on the Regent's Canal in Camden Town, unusual for its exceptionally large drop in water levels.

The area surrounding the locks has long been a popular tourist attraction, offering live music venues, restaurants, cafes and - for many years - drug dealers.

Now a rather pale shadow of its former glories, the nearby Dingwalls was once a major punk/new wave gig, hosting bands like Blondie, the Ramones, Squeeze and The Clash.


Camden Lock.


Hampstead Road Lock.


Footbridge over the canal.




Looking over Hampstead Road Lock.


Cobbled canal-side walk.


Camden Lock West Yard.


Camden Lock West Yard.


Inside the market where it all started in 1972 - Camden Lock market. Originally flogging bric a brac and dodgy antiques from outdoor stalls, the site has been massively transformed in recent years.




The rather striking Gilgamesh bar and restaurant complex with intricately carved walkways on the ground floor.


It's been claimed that no less than six hundred carvers worked for six months to complete the lavish work inside.


The style is apparently ancient Babylonian and we have to say you don't see too much of that about in our neck of the woods.


There's several food outlets to be found in the labyrinth of walkways.






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