Pulteney Weir & Sluice opening - Grand Parade - Bath, Somerset - Grand Opening on Waymarking.com

A plaque affixed to the balustrade on Grand Parade commemorating the opening of Pulteney Weir and Sluice on 2nd June 1972 by the then Lord Mayor of London Alderman Sir Edward Howard, Bt.

"The 1603 map of Bath by Savile shows a weir on the River Avon to the east of the Abbey. On the west (Abbey) bank is shown "The Monks Mill" and on the opposite bank "Bathewick mill". The weir ran diagonally across the river to the Bathwick Mill. The purpose of the weir was to provide a difference in river level ( a 'head' of water) that would drive the water wheels used to power the mills.

For centuries Bath had suffered from the River Avon flooding - even the Romans had to raise the level of some of their baths complex to alleviate the problem. Flood levels are marked on the buttress of Widcombe footbridge, on buildings in Grove Street and on Norfolk Buildings.

In the early 1970's the weir was rebuilt in its current 'V' shape with an associated flood control gate (sluice) on the east side of the river (see also Civic Trust Award page (visit link) ).

Pulteney Weir featured in the film of Les Misérables. Part of the scene where Inspector Javert commits suicide by jumping into the River Seine was filmed here in October 2012."

SOURCE - (visit link)

The text of the Plaque reads -

Bristol Avon River Authority

This Plaque commemorates the opening of Pulteney Weir and Sluice on 2nd June 1972
by The Lord Mayor of London Alderman Sir Edward Howard, Bt.
at the invitation of J.T.Stephenson Esq. The Chairman of the Bristol River Authority

The weir and sluice are part of the Bath Flood Prevention Scheme designed and carried out by the Bristol and Avon River Authority under the direction of the engineer to the Authority Frank Greenhalgh B Sc., C Eng., F.I.C.E, F.I.W.E.

"Sir Hamilton Edward de Coucey Howard, 2nd Baronet GBE KStJ (1915–2001), known as Sir Edward Howard, was an English aristocrat, businessman and public official.

He served as an Alderman of the City of London. He then served as Sheriff of the City of London in 1966, and as Lord Mayor of London from 1971 to 1972. He also served as Lieutenant of the City of London from 1976 to 1990.

He became the 2nd Howard baronets of Great Rissington in 1967. He became Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire in 1972 and a Knight of the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem, both in 1972."

SOURCE - (visit link)

What was opened/inaugurated?: Pulteney Weir & Sluice, River Avon, Bath Who was that opened/inaugurated it?: The Lord Mayor of London Alderman Sir Edward Howard, Bt. Date of the opening/inauguration?: 6/2/1972 Website about the location: [Web Link] Website about the person: [Web Link]

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Date Logged Log   05/26/2022 jezevcik visited it