Godstow Lock
Telephone: 01865 554784
Postcode: OX2 8PJ
Godstow Lock has the distinction of being the highest hydraulic-operated pound lock on the Thames.
Godstow is also well known for its nunnery ruins, literally a few yards from the lock. It dates back to the 1100s, when Henry II was King of England. Here you will find legends of scandal, notoriety and war. It was in the nunnery that Henry II met his mistress, Rosamund Clifford, who bore him two sons. Later the nunnery became notorious for its 'hospitality' towards the young monks at Oxford.
Henry VIII, during the dissolution of the monasteries, destroyed Godstow Abbey. Later, during the Civil War the village was used by Royalists to defend Godstow Bridge. When the Roundheads attacked, the whole site was burned down.
Interesting fact
The Trout Inn and the picturesque riverbanks on which it sits upon apparently provided inspiration to Lewis Carroll for the magical Alice in Wonderland. An episode of the successful television series Inspector Morse was also filmed here.
Location and facilities
For a map and a list of all the facilities at the lock visit...
> Location and facilities at Godstow Lock