Ware Floods 1947

There were serious floods in Ware in 1947 when the River Lea broke its banks. In 1974 the Thames Water Authority carried out an extensive flood alleviation scheme, dredging the river, shoring up the banks with brick and metal walls and constructing by-pass sluices at both Ware and Hardmead locks. This has been effective in ensuring a rapid flow of water downstream to the Thames.