Lock Keeper, Iffley Lock

No training as such. On the job.

Demanding physically,

with constant exposure to weather, water,

damp in the bones.

Duties variable, mainly vigilance –

a word I never knew before –

vigilance of water level, control of sluices,

boats in and out of water.

Vigilance of who’s in trouble,

who’s broken down,

who or what is in the water –

a car, a body once.

On quiet days, a different vigilance,

watching paint dry on locks and bollards,

planting flowers along the edge

so they glow in the dusk.

By Robert Seatter

IFFLEY LOCK

There are 45 locks on the non-tidal section of the river, all with lock keepers.

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 family friendly circular walk will take you from Donnington Bridge to Iffley Lock and back. You’ll have the option of visiting St Mary the Virgin Church with its stunning stained-glass window by John Piper.

If you enjoyed this poem, take a look at the other Thames Path 30th Anniversary poems.