Heybridge Basin - a great day out on the edge of the river Blackwater

Places to Visit

Promenade Park
Hythe Quay
Heybridge Basin
Beeleigh
The Moot Hall
Maeldune Centre

Things to Do

Events Guide
Market Days
Pub Guide
Walking

Facts About

E H Bentall & Co
The Old Railway
Plume Library
Beeleigh Abbey
Beeleigh Mill
All Saints' Church
St Mary's Church
Fat Man of Maldon
St Giles hospital
Maldon in 1818
Heybridge Hall

Your guide to the district of Maldon and its history

Heybridge Basin

Heybridge Basin is the start of the Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation to which it owes its existence. It was here that the Colliers' barges unloaded for the journey inland. Construction of the 13 mile canal to Chelmsford commenced in 1793 under the general direction of John Rennie.

The basin at Heybridge was dug out at the sea end of the navigation to allow lighters to enter the canal via the sea lock for the unloading of their cargos for transportation inland. The stretch of canal between the Basin and Beeleigh was cut out by hand to bypass Maldon because the town opposed the building of the canal fearing loss of trade in the port.

In 1796 the first ship entered the basin with a cargo of coal for Chelmsford. Read the story of the navigation by John Marriage here

William Bentall moved his iron foundry from Goldhanger to a site next to the canal in the village of Heybridge because of the benefits of being able to bring raw materials right up to the works.

Click to view Larger Map and get directions
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Today, Heybridge Basin is a haven for pleasure craft of all ages and sizes as well as being the starting point for walks along the sea wall to Maldon and beyond.

The two pubs that once served to quench the thirst of the basin workers and visiting sailors now cater for the tourists visiting this picturesque area. There is also a tea room and art and craft gallery on the sea wall.

You can reach the Basin by car from the B1026 Goldhanger Road and parking is free in the Daisy Meadow car park which is next to the canal or alternatively, you can walk along the navigation towpath from the Wave Bridge or follow the sea wall from Hall Road Heybridge.

Sit by the sea wall and watch the craft going through the sea lock at high tide or maybe catch a glimpse of one of the old barges making their way along the Blackwater towards the sea.

Rowing boats can be hired for those wishing to explore the navigation or take a trip up to Beeleigh on the Elver.
More details here

The Old Ship

The Jolly Sailor

The Tea Room

For details of high tides and local weather infomation check out the Blackwater Sailing Club website here

Heybridge Basin ‘Round the Island Row’
Saturday 28th August 2010

From 11.00am at the Lock Gates, Heybridge basin
Race Starts 2.30pm - high tide 3.24pm
Come and support the Rowers and enjoy a fun afternoon for the whole family ‘messing about on the river’. There’s lots’ going on: craft & activity stalls, homemade cakes & goodies, charity, stalls, raffle, BBQ and loads more. Plus two pubs and tea rooms.

Additional Parking Available
Rowing: All craft welcome. Classes: Singles, Groups, Doubles.
Fancy Dress / Team Colours optional but encouraged (!)
Plus..... Friday 27th August 2010
FUN BINGO & LIVE MUSIC in the marquee at 8pm
Sunday 29th August 2010
Farmers / Local producers Market in the marquee - 10.00am - 2.00pm

Visit the website: www.row4areason.org
For more information, entry & sponsorship forms
Contact Trevor Fernandes on 01621 855707

A few pictures of the Basin - Click on the thumbnails to englarge

	The lock keepers cottage	Looking through the main gates	Boats moored alongside the canal

For more information on the maintenance of the Navigation see the Chelmer Canal Trust site and the Inland Waterways Association who are responsible for the Navigation

You can see a panoramic view of the Basin here