Gazebos of Ware

Buddy’s first night on the boat went really well.  He slept from 11 until the alarm went off at 6.15 (it’s like talking about a baby). He is completely at home on the boat, just doesn’t like the decks so has to be lifted on.  I’m sure he’ll sort himself out.

Went for a walk along the tow path this morning through Ware.  I hadn’t realised that one of its claims to fame are the riverside gazebos built in the 18th century.  Ware was a brewing town and the main street was consequently smelly and noisy.  The wealthier high street property owners built gazebos at the bottoms of their gardens overlooking the river to get away from it all.  After WWII plans were afoot to build a new road between the high street and the river.  Consequently the gazebos fell into disrepair.  Many were lost over time but a dozen or so have now been restored, making for an interesting walk along the towpath.

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Slightly different style but reminded me of this modern gazebo on the river Thames between Reading and Oxford.

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This again reminded me of this house south of Hemel Hempstead on the Grand Union canal - old and modern in one.

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Every few miles since leaving London we have come across the New River. I had never heard of this before but came across its source in Ware this morning. The information board below explains its history and purpose.

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This picture shows the start of the New River as it leaves the weir at Ware.

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