Eynsham Lock on the River Thames

Eynsham Lock was built quite recently, in 1928, as part of plans to make the Thames navigable to Lechlade. The nearby Swinford Toll Bridge – built in 1769 during the days of stage coaches, highwaymen and turnpikes – is described as the finest of the many bridges over the Thames with its Georgian architecture.

Eynsham is said to be one of the oldest villages in Britain. It is mentioned in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle in 571AD when Cuthwolf fought the Britons at Bedcanford and captured four villages, Limbury, Aylesbury, Benson, and Eynsham. Eynsham lock was used by merchants taking salt from Droitwich and stone from Taynton.

Did you know?

Swinford is so named because it was an ancient crossing for pigs (swine ford).

Contact details

Telephone: +44 (0)1865 881324
Postcode: OX29 4BY

Find out more about the Eynsham Lock facilities.