You are correct about the opening at the bottom of the towers. Works a bit like your fire when you open the bottom vent, the shape helps with the draw of air through. There is also a collection pond under each of the towers.
Sawley also claims to be the biggest inland marina rather than Mercia, though in a five minute search I couldn't find much evidence for one or t'other. The good folk of Derbyshire will have to fight it out amongst themselves, perhaps with a ball game played along the canal ?
Pretty sure Penton Hook Marina is the biggest inland marina: Penton Hook is Britain's largest inland marina, set in 80 acres and with 575 berths. It’s on one of the loveliest reaches of the River Thames, close to the vibrant town of Staines-on-Thames and about a mile downstream from Runnymede where King John signed the Magna Carta. Sawley Waterside and Marina, the largest inland marina in the UK. With a water space that covers 23 acres, lapping up against the green and natural borders of the rural landscape, Sawley is peaceful yet well-connected. Searching online it has 600 berths. (Penton Hook accomodates much wider and larger boats). Mercia marina In my opinion has the claim, set over 73 acres it sports >600 berths, I think Sawley has got way too many boats for the acreage that it spans, must be quite crowded there.
Fun fact about Penton Hook. Planning permission to dig the pits included a requirement that a channel be dug to connect to the Thames, so the pits could absorb some flood water. How things may have been different.
Nice one. I really appreciate all the background information you include about the places you pass and other points of interest. Thanks.
Thanks
I’m glad you enjoyed it
You are correct about the opening at the bottom of the towers. Works a bit like your fire when you open the bottom vent, the shape helps with the draw of air through.
There is also a collection pond under each of the towers.
Love the Trent and Mersey cxx
Brilliant vlog. Very interesting. Thank you 🙏
Thank you
Really happy that you enjoyed it
Sawley also claims to be the biggest inland marina rather than Mercia, though in a five minute search I couldn't find much evidence for one or t'other.
The good folk of Derbyshire will have to fight it out amongst themselves, perhaps with a ball game played along the canal ?
Pretty sure Penton Hook Marina is the biggest inland marina:
Penton Hook is Britain's largest inland marina, set in 80 acres and with 575 berths. It’s on one of the loveliest reaches of the River Thames, close to the vibrant town of Staines-on-Thames and about a mile downstream from Runnymede where King John signed the Magna Carta.
Sawley Waterside and Marina, the largest inland marina in the UK. With a water space that covers 23 acres, lapping up against the green and natural borders of the rural landscape, Sawley is peaceful yet well-connected. Searching online it has 600 berths. (Penton Hook accomodates much wider and larger boats).
Mercia marina In my opinion has the claim, set over 73 acres it sports >600 berths, I think Sawley has got way too many boats for the acreage that it spans, must be quite crowded there.
So largest: Penton Hook
most berths: Tie between Mercia and Sawley
Best berth -> acreage ratio:
1. Penton Hook, 2. Mercia, 3. Sawley
Fun fact about Penton Hook. Planning permission to dig the pits included a requirement that a channel be dug to connect to the Thames, so the pits could absorb some flood water.
How things may have been different.