ABSTRACT
The most ambitious task undertaken by the Commissioners was the construction of a pound lock at Waltham and it remains their best-known work for it was the first pound lock in England to be equipped with mitre gates at both ends. The only earlier pound locks known in England were those built between 1564 and 1567 by John Trew along the River Exe. The pound lock must have been built some time during the autumn of 1576 and not earlier as is usually stated. The problems experienced with the Waltham lock arose no doubt because of the technical novelty of the work. During both outbreaks of rioting Waltham Lock was a prime target. In May 1581, an approach was made to an employee at Cheshunt Mill for the loan of a handsaw with which to damage the lock but come July the less energetic course of setting the lock on fire was preferred.
