Chertsey Lock
Telephone: 01932 562208
Postcode: KT16 8LD
Way back in the 16th and 17th centuries there was a ford across the Thames here at Chertsey, although this was later discarded in favour of a ferry carrying people and goods across the river.
This part of the river was referred to as Laleham Gulls - an area of shallows causing all sorts of difficulties for barges and other river traffic. Eventually the Corporation of the City of London realised the need to improve navigation here and in 1811-18l5 they built a series of large locks along the Thames, Chertsey being one of them. This project was described as 'one of he most outstanding examples of river engineering in history.'
Lock keeper
Chertsey Lock is home to Paul King. He started out as a boat skipper with Salter's Steamers and began his Thames career as a boatman in 1974. He just happened to be walking past the lock office at Molesey when the lock keeper, a friend, popped his head out and asked, 'looking for a job?' So began Paul's new career.
Paul finds it a pleasure working at Chertsey Lock. 'I enjoy interaction with the public and boaters,' he says.
An interesting fact
The local landowner, Lord Lucan (ancestor of the 'disappeared' Lucan) claimed that the lock and lock house spoiled his view. So the lock house was 'sunk' into the ground, causing a later resident to complain of the 'low and therefore damp situation of his bedrooms.'
Location and facilities
For a map and a list of all the facilities at the lock visit...
> Location and facilities at Chertsey Lock