Iffley Lock
Telephone: 01865 777277
Postcode: OX4 4EJ
Iffley Lock was built in 1632. It was one of three to be built in the 17th century – the others are at Sandford, and Swift Ditch (near Abingdon Lock).
When the lock was rebuilt in 1924 it was opened by Lord Desborough, then Chairman of the Thames Conservancy. This is commemorated by a small stone block bridge and landing stage which carries a large bronze bull’s head and coat of arms; it’s the ‘starting ring’ presented to the Oxford University Boat Club. Iffley marks the starting point of organised rowing races - there are around 10 regattas every year - in Oxford.
Lock keeper
The Lock Keeper here is Lane Redgwell, who has lived in the Lock House with his wife Jacky for 10 years. Prior to starting his lock keeping career, he was an engineer at BT. Lane started as a summer assistant locks on the Thames before taking up permanent residency at Iffley.
An angling enthusiast, Lane is a qualified angling coach for Oxford County Council and spends some of his spare time teaching young people how to fish in the river and at the coast.
An interesting fact
Between Osney Lock and a point just downstream of Iffley Lock, the Thames also goes by its Roman name, the Isis.
Location and facilities
For a map and a list of all the facilities at the lock visit...
> Location and facilities at Iffley Lock