Brayford Pool

The Brayford Pool is a natural lake formed from a widening of the River Witham in the centre of the city of Lincoln in England. It was used as a port by the Romans - who connected it to the River Trent by constructing the Foss Dyke - and has a long industrial heritage.

History

The Pool has been the focus of Lincoln's urban regeneration since the early 1990s. It is now overlooked by bars, restaurants, a cinema and, most significantly, the University of Lincoln.

The Brayford Pool is known for its large population of Mute Swans ("Cygnus olor"). The swans made the news in 2004, over concerns about the animals' diet and overall health, as well as the appearance on the Pool of a number of Australian Black Swans ("Cygnus atratus"). [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/lincolnshire/4084423.stm "Chips and bread" killing swans] - BBC News Online ] The Pool is used as a marina by houseboats and pleasure craft, as well as by anglers and kayakers/canoeists.

Massive regeneration of the area followed the decline of the 1990s. Failed businesses were ushered aside for a multi-million pound project that brought the Odeon Cinema into the city centre along with late night bars and restaurants. The only reminder of the past is the Royal William public house, a traditional pub housed inside a listed building.

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