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Lock

The Platoon assisting the Paraguay Star.
View full size imageThe tug 'Platoon' helps the 'Paraguay Star' through the entrance lock into the West India Docks. © NMM
Locks were constructed in the cuts joining the docks with the basins to control the flow of water between the docks and the Thames.

Lock gates kept the water a constant height that allowed a large number of ships to be loaded and unloaded at all stages of the tide.

 Find out more:
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Trail West India Docks family trail
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Galleries The West India Docks
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Stories Going for growth: The West India and the Greenland Docks
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