Caversham Lock facts for kids
Caversham lock in 2012
|
|
| Waterway | River Thames |
|---|---|
| County | Berkshire |
| Maintained by | Environment Agency |
| Operation | Hydraulic |
| First built | 1778 |
| Latest built | 1875 |
| Length | 40.03 m (131 ft 4 in) |
| Width | 5.46 m (17 ft 11 in) |
| Fall | 1.82 m (6 ft 0 in) |
| Above sea level | 120' |
| Distance to Teddington Lock |
55 miles |
| Coordinates | 51°27′39″N 0°57′51″W / 51.4607°N 0.9641°W |
Caversham Lock is a special water gate, called a lock, on the River Thames in Reading, England. It helps boats move up and down the river. There's also a main weir here, which is like a small dam that controls the water level. Both the lock and the main weir are connected to an island called De Bohun Island, also known as Lock Island.
The original lock was built in 1778 by a group called the Thames Navigation Commissioners. They were in charge of making the river easier for boats to use. Other parts of the weir complex, which help manage the river's flow, are located near View Island and Heron Island. A footbridge crosses all three islands, letting people walk between Lower Caversham and Reading.
The weir is just upstream from the lock, right in the middle of the river. On the south side of the lock, you'll find Kings Meadow, a big park in Reading, along with homes and offices. Lock Island has a house for the lock-keeper, who looks after the lock. The Environment Agency, which manages rivers, also has a boatyard and boathouse here for their river patrol and maintenance boats.
Contents
History of Caversham Lock
People have been using this spot on the river for a long time. Records from 1493 mention a weir, a mill, and a ferry here. There was also an old type of lock called a flash lock, which was just a gap in a weir that could be opened and closed.
The modern type of lock, called a pound lock, opened in 1778. This new lock made it much easier for boats to pass. However, the house for the lock-keeper wasn't built until after 1819. The lock was later rebuilt in 1875 to make it even better.
Getting to Caversham Lock
Caversham Lock is easy to find, about 400 meters east of Reading railway station. It's also very close to Kings Meadow, which is the biggest park in central Reading.
You can walk to the lock from the north side, which leads to Lower Caversham. This path is open to everyone.
What's Upstream from the Lock?
Just after you pass through Caversham Lock, you'll see Reading Bridge. Further along, Fry's Island sits in the middle of the river. The busy part of Reading stretches for about 500 meters on the south side, leading to Caversham Bridge. There's a walkway from Reading to Pipers Island, which has a restaurant on it.
On the north side of the river, you'll pass by Caversham. St Mary's Island is close to the bank at the end of Caversham. Even further west, you can see Mapledurham House as the river turns north towards Mapledurham Lock.
River Activities and Events
The Reading Amateur Regatta is a rowing competition held every June between St Mary's Island and Caversham Bridge. The famous Reading Festival happens in August at Little John's Farm, near Caversham Bridge. During the festival, a temporary bridge, called Reading Festival Bridge, connects the festival site to parking and camping areas on the north bank. From these areas, you can see the Chiltern Hills in the distance.
On the south bank, after some fields, you'll reach Tilehurst. Here, the river briefly turns north, with two islands, Appletree Eyot and Poplar Island, in the middle. The railway tracks run next to the river for over 600 meters on a high brick wall.
The Thames Path, a walking trail, follows the southern bank. There's also a footpath along the north bank between Reading and Caversham bridges.
Sports Clubs on the River
- Reading Rowing Club
- Reading Canoe Club
