Benson Lock
Telephone: 01491 835255
Postcode: OX10 6SL
Benson Lock's history goes back into the late 1300s, when a mill and weir were recorded. It wasn't until 1788 that the first timber lock was built and in turn this was converted to a stone lock in 1870. There used to be a ferry operating here, but this stopped running when the weir walkway and lock gates became available to the public.
Lock keeper
The lock keeper here has been in residence for three years. He began his lock keeping career as a summer assistant at Marlow Lock, becoming a Thames Patrol Boatman for two years before returning to lock keeping. He describes his professional life prior to lock keeping as 'varied'.
He found inspiration for a life on the river when he attended a boat-fitting course at Berkshire College of Agriculture. It was there that he heard that a job as summer assistant was available, which he immediately applied for.
Location and facilities
For a map and a list of all the facilities at the lock visit...
> Location and facilities at Benson Lock.