Sandford Lock on the River Thames
Sandford is the site of one of the first three pound locks built on the Thames in 1630. It was built in stone and was rebuilt in 1795 and 1836. Over the years the lock has undergone many modifications and updates, and little of the original construction remains.
The existing lock, the deepest on the non-tidal Thames, was built alongside an earlier one - you can still see the long indentation in the grass. On the lockside there are three large lumps of granite, which remain from the old lock.
In 1875 the nearby Sandford Paper Mill was rebuilt requiring the head water level to be raised by 5 feet. This may explain the need for such a deep lock-chamber.
Did you know?
The name Sandford possibly originates from a sandy river crossing, or 'sans ford' - without a ford. Sans is Middle English for 'without'.
Contact details
Telephone: +44 (0)1865 775889
Postcode: OX4 4YD
Find out more about the Sandford Lock facilities.
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