Penton Hook Lock
Telephone: 01784 452657
Postcode: TW18 2JA
In the 1700s the Thames at Penton Hook swung suddenly south in a short loop, the river course almost completing a full circle before continuing its way downstream.
In those days, there was no lock here, which meant that when the river flowed fast, such as during a flood, the water rushed against the outside of the first bend in the river and burst its banks. The powerful currents frequently broke across the 'neck' of the loop, causing many problems for boaters and local residents alike.
Penton Hook Lock was opened in 1815. After the lock was built the farmer retained his right to graze cattle on the Hook, so he drove them across the gates, or they had to swim across the river.
The balance beams on the gates were removed during the 1909 rebuild, as they were too heavy for the new gates. The lock was only out of use for six weeks during this work.
In prehistoric times there was a ford at nearby Laleham, used possibly by the residents of Laleham Abbey, which owned a mill on the Thames here in the 14th century. The ford fell into disuse and a ferry took its place. You can still see the remains of the road and path, which led down to the river on both banks.
Lock keeper
The Lock keeper here is John Wright. He joined the Environment Agency many years ago as a summer assistant Lock keeper at Old Windsor. He still loves the job today, 'It's a little piece of tranquillity next to the rapidly growing town of Staines,' he says. John's interest in boating, gardening and wildlife sit easily with the job - just yards away from the lock is Penton Hook Island. This island has a fish-spawning channel and is home to herons and water vole.
An interesting fact
A few yards upstream is the minuscule Truss's Island, named after a former Clerk of Works with the City Commissioners of the River Thames.
Location and facilities
For a map and a list of all the facilities at the lock visit...
> Location and facilities at Penton Hook Lock