Marsh Lock
Telephone: 01491 572992
Postcode: RG9 4HB
There are records of a lock here from the early 1400s. It was a flash lock right up until 1773, with two mills, one on each side of the river. On the Berkshire bank were two corn mills, and on the Oxford side was a corn and paper mill.
Back in the 17th and 18 centuries, the lock saw a wide range of goods being carried to and from London in heavy barges. Produce such as wool, timber, grain and malt all made their way through Marsh Lock.
Lock keeper
Marsh Lock is home to Nigel O'Connor, Lock keeper here for seven years. Nigel (54), began his lock-keeping career as a summer assistant covering Marsh, Hambleden, and Hurley locks. A period as a Temporary Lock keeper was followed by promotion to Area Relief Lock keeper for Iffley, Sandford, and Abingdon locks.
Nigel's father, George, was the Lock keeper at Hambleden from 1953, retiring in 1975.
An interesting fact
Moored opposite the lock is one of the original Dunkirk evacuation rescue boats, now renamed and owned by presenter Raymond Baxter.
Location and facilities
For a map and a list of all the facilities at the lock visit...
> Location and facilities at Marsh Lock