Buscot Lock
Telephone: +44 (0)1367 252434
Postcode: SN7 8DA
Buscot Lock is the smallest of the 45 locks on the Thames. The manual beam-equipped pound lock was built in 1790, although today it looks just as it did more than 200 years ago. Before the lock was built, there was a flash weir, where boats would 'run the rapid' downstream. It must have been a spectacular sight!
The lock was purchased (included within a large estate) in 1859 by Robert Tertius Campbell with money acquired in the Australian goldfields. He fitted water wheels to irrigate his estate, but sold up within 10 years, the result of overspending and bad luck. Later owners, Thomas Cook the travel agents, gave the site to the National Trust.
Lock keeper
Buscot Lock is operated by Jon Bowyer, who came to lock keeping via a circuitous route. He has worked with computers, became a lorry driver, and owned his own company designing children's games for playgrounds. It was during his time as a professional groundsman that he developed his love for the rural life.
Jon has been boating since he was seven years old, successfully racing sailing dinghies and even taking part in the 1970 Tall Ships race on the Winston Churchill from Plymouth to Spain.
Jon loves the rural atmosphere surrounding the lock. 'The local people are good friends and I feel part of the community. Life as a lock keeper here is wonderful,' he says.
An interesting fact
On the weir field near the lock, children from Cotswold First School have built a 'yurt' for the community. A yurt is a shelter, and this one is made from the willow branches.
Location and facilities
For a map and a list of all the facilities at the lock visit...
> Location and facilities at Buscot Lock