Teddington Lock
Telephone: +44 (0)20 8940 8723
Postcode: TW11 9NG
The first pound lock, built by the City of London, opened to river traffic here in 1811 and it was located beneath the steel footbridge by the lock. Due to problems with water levels caused by the removal of the old London Bridge, a new lock was built a short way downstream in 1857 - this is the current 'launch' lock.
Later in 1904 the huge 'barge' lock was built alongside the launch lock. This new lock is a mighty 198.12 metres long (650ft) and, along with the other two Teddington locks, shares the greatest depth with Sandford at 2.68 metres (8ft 10in) to the maintained level at Richmond.
Lock Keeper
There are no fewer than five lock keepers here at Teddington. Senior Lock Keeper is Rod Schmidt, who lives in one of the lockside houses with his wife, three children and two German shepherd dogs. During the summer, Rod's wife Odile opens a tea shop (subject to the weather) on the tow path, offering drinks and snacks, cream teas and cakes.
The Thames has always been an important part of Rod's life. He says, 'I've lived by the river all my life - it was part of my childhood. Within a few hundred yards, there's total suburbia with pubs, restaurants and the bustling city. But the lock here is an oasis of peace.'
An interesting fact
Two of the lock keepers, Howard Miatt and Danny Ringham, recently rescued a baby duckling and cared for it. They named it Davina.
Location and facilities
For a map and a list of all the facilities at the lock visit...
> Location and facilities at Teddington Lock