Bray Lock
Telephone: 01628 621650
Postcode: SL6 0EE
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As the river was fast running and there were many shallow areas at Bray, navigation was difficult for boats and barges. So in 1845 a grass-sided lock was finally built at Bray. Records show that the lock keeper left the gates open when water levels were high, such as after heavy rains.
So the lock was actually being operated only when water levels were low, mainly to provide deeper channels for passing barges and other river craft. It also allowed the local weir and mill owners to charge tolls.
Lock Keeper
The Lock Keeper here is Keith Reeve. Keith lives in the Lock House with his wife Karen and two children.
Keith joined the Environment Agency after several years in trout farming, making good use of his fisheries degree. He started his new career in 1988 at Marlow Lock as a summer assistant, moving up to District Relief between Temple and Penton Hook locks before an eight-year stint at Osney Lock. He then took up his residency at Bray.
An interesting fact
Dorney Court, which is just downstream of Bray Lock, was where the first pineapple was grown in Britain. It was presented to King Charles II.
Location and facilities
For a map and a list of all the facilities at the lock visit...
> Location and facilities at Bray Lock