Shiplake Lock on the River Thames

Way back in the 1400s, a flash lock operated here at Shiplake, probably in conjunction with a mill. It was first built as a pound lock in 1773 by the Thames Navigation Commissioners. It was made of fir wood with grassy banks. This didn't last long and it was rebuilt in oak 14 years on and again in masonry nearly 100 years later in 1874.

Did you know?

The village of Lower Shiplake was the childhood home of the author George Orwell who was brought up in a house called Roselawn.

Contact Details

Telephone: +44 (0)118 940 3350
Postcode: RG9 3NA

Find out more about the Shiplake Lock facilities.