Caversham Lock on the River Thames

Locks have been documented here at Caversham since the 15th century, although these were undoubtedly flash weirs. It wasn't until 1777 that the Thames Commissioners decided that they had to spend £1,000 on building a pound lock, the first one using fir wood. In those days the owners charged a toll of two pennies per ton to merchants taking their barges through the lock.

It is recorded that in 1778, a new lock office be built for the keeper. It was a small wooden affair, provided 'for the keeper to receive his money and put in his tools for the necessary opening the pound.'

Did you know?

Visitors to Caversham Lock have sometimes seen 'a tortoise drowning in the river'. This 'tortoise' is, in fact, a terrapin. It is believed they were bought as pets during the 'Ninja Turtle' craze several years ago, and then released into the river when they grew too big to handle.

Contact Details

Telephone: +44 (0)118 957 5764
Postcode: RG1 8BP

Find out more about the Caversham Lock facilities.