Goring Lock
Telephone: +44 (0)1491 872687
Postcode: RG8 9AE
Click the link below for a map and a list of facilities at the lock.
Location and facilities for Goring Lock
Goring Lock itself began life, records tell us, back in the 1500s as a flash weir. It was constructed by the local mill owner to provide him with a head of water to drive the water wheel. A side benefit was that it made the water deep enough for river craft. It became a timber pound lock in 1787, costing, it is said, £1,000 to build.
When Goring Lock was rebuilt by the Thames Conservancy in 1921, it was built with a very obvious difference - it had a pair of middle gates. This was to save water and enable river craft to travel faster through the lock. The middle gates were removed in 1981, but if you look closely, you can see the recesses where the gates were installed.
Lock keeper
The lock keeper has been resident at Goring for 22 years. His love of the river has influenced his life for many years. 'Goring is set in a beautiful part of the country, and the lock itself is within a Conservation area, while it is also an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty,' he says.
'We are located between the historic villages of Goring and Streatley, and the lock is a small area of tranquillity while the civilisation of modern living is just yards away,' he adds.
Did you know?
Every year, the travelling theatre company, Mikron Theatre, give a performance at Goring Lock. The professional actors live and travel on board the narrowboat, Tyseley, and perform at canal and riverside venues including pubs, village halls, museums and marinas.