Grafton Lock
Telephone: 01367 810251
Postcode: OX18 2RY
The lock itself has been in existence since 1896, when the previous flash weir - called Day's Weir - was replaced by the manual-beam pound lock we see today. The lock is the same as it was over 100 years ago. The attractive Lock House was also built in that year, with its large bay window shrouded by a giant wisteria.
Lock Keeper
Keith Webb is the resident lock keeper at Grafton and he lives in the Lock House with his wife Janice. A keen conservationist, Keith spends what little spare time he has fishing for sea bass off the coast. He has a classic 30ft cruiser, originally built in 1919, that he is gradually restoring to its former glory.
A former electrician in London's Soho, Keith began his lock keeping as a relief at Hambleden, Temple and Hurley locks way back in 1969.
Interesting fact
When the lock keeper's wife, Janice, used to swim in the Thames, she was often accompanied by a duck - who sat on her back while she swam!
Location and facilities
For a map and a list of all the facilities at the lock visit...
> Location and facilities at Grafton Lock