Sonning Lock
Telephone: 0118 969 3992
Postcode: RG4 0UR
There was a form of weir - probably a flash lock - here at Sonning way back in the 1500s. The first pound lock was installed in 1773, built in fir wood by the Thames Navigation Commissioners. It wasn't long before it was rebuilt in oak as fir was found to be unsuitable. During the winter of 2004-5, the existing pre-1970s wooden gates were replaced with new steel gates.
There has been a mill here at Sonning for centuries - three mills are described in the Domesday Book of 1086. In the 1700s the owner William Billingshurst spent £60 a year keeping the floodgates and engines in repair.
The lock now has a tea garden, serving hot and cold drinks, cream teas, snacks and ice creams.
Lock keeper
Sonning Lock is home to Keith Burnage. He lives in the Lock House with his wife. Keith began his lockkeeping career in 1999, as Summer Assistant at Day's Lock. He went on to become Area Relief at various locks between Day's and Hurley, finally becoming resident Lock Keeper here at Sonning.
An interesting fact
Sonning's corn mill, now The Mill at Sonning, is now a theatre.
Location and facilities
For a map and a list of all the facilities at the lock visit...
> Location and facilities at Sonning Lock